Funding Innovative Responsible Gaming Research to Advance Player Safety
Allwyn has named the inaugural recipients of the Allwyn Player Protection Lab award, a global responsible gaming initiative designed to support independent academic research aimed at advancing player safety. The two winning research projects will each receive up to €100,000 in funding to support evidence-based approaches to responsible gaming.
Following a selection process led by Allwyn’s global Responsible Gaming Department, the inaugural grants were awarded to renowned academic Dr. Michael Auer and internationally respected Newton University. Launched in September 2025, the Player Protection Lab invites experts and academics to submit proposals focusing on digital innovation, messaging for positive play, and effective safety tools.
Overview of Winning Research Projects
- Dr. Michael Auer: A psychologist and statistician specialising in data-driven player protection, Dr. Auer will combine real-world player data with self-reported insights to test the behavioral impact of personalized messaging on spending, limit setting, and taking breaks.
- Newton University: As a leading educational institution in the Czech Republic, Newton University will develop a Safe Gambling Assessment Tool (SGAT) targeted at Generation Z. The project explores how younger demographics engage differently with online and offline gambling concerning risk attitudes, self-control, and limit-setting.
Executive and Researcher Perspectives
Allwyn CEO Robert Chvátal stated:
“Player protection is core to what we do and are committed to making play better for all wherever we operate. We already meet Level 4 of the World Lottery Association’s responsible gaming framework, the highest level of accreditation available. To make sure we remain at the forefront of player safety we created the Allwyn Player Protection Lab to enable insight, technology and innovation to come together to deliver proactive initiatives. The award aims to fund research that identifies novel solutions and tools that enhance safe play. I am very pleased to recognise Dr. Auer and Newton University as the inaugural recipients of this award and look forward to the important direction their research will take Allwyn and the industry overall.”
Dr. Michael Auer commented:
“I am very happy that Allwyn is trusting me with such a prestigious research project. Over the last 15 years I have published dozens of academic papers and one crucial learning is that real-world data is crucial for the understanding of behaviour and the impact of Responsible Gaming measures. This research project will focus on the analysis of player interaction and the improvement of Responsible Gaming tools. Not only will Allwyn’s players benefit from the results but also the wider gaming industry through the accompanying peer-reviewed academic publication.”
Petr Zimčík, PhD, project lead at Newton University, added:
“We are delighted to receive the Allwyn Player Protection Lab award. The significant funding will enable Newton University to bring our higher education research expertise to a project that connects academia with real-world data and practical experience. Our aim is to develop a deeper understanding of young adults’ attitudes, perceptions and behaviours, exploring how Generation Z understands risk and responsible play. We hope the research will provide valuable insights and contribute to even more effective approaches in this important area.”
