Leading Expert on Gambling Research & Harm Minimisation (New Zealand)
Prof. Max Abbott is one of New Zealand’s foremost authorities on gambling behaviour, gambling-related harm, and public health approaches to gaming. His research spans decades and covers not only problem gambling but also how online platforms, casinos, and other forms of gaming influence individuals and communities across Aotearoa.
Abbott’s work is widely respected in academic, governmental, and regulatory circles — shaping policy and informing responsible-gaming best practices in New Zealand and abroad.
Quick Facts
| Name: | Max Wenden Abbott CNZM |
|---|---|
| Field: | Psychology, Public Health & Gambling Studies |
| Affiliation: | Auckland University of Technology (Professor; former Dean & Pro Vice-Chancellor) |
| Notable Roles: | Director, Centre for Gambling and Addictions Research; Chair of International Gambling Think Tank |
| Special Focus: | Gambling behaviour, harm measurement, responsible gaming strategies |
| Impact: | Pioneering longitudinal studies on gambling in NZ |
Academic & Professional Background
Born and raised in New Zealand, Prof. Abbott built a distinguished career in psychology, public health, and academic leadership, culminating in significant contributions to how gambling — including iGaming and casino gaming — is understood at a societal level. His influence extends beyond academia into national policy and public health frameworks focused on minimising gambling harm.
Abbott’s research addresses complex interactions between players, games, and environments — from problem gambling prevalence to analysing risk factors linked with modern gaming platforms (including digital and mobile gambling).
Research Highlights: What He’s Known For
Major Studies & Findings
1. National Gambling Study (NGS) — New Zealand
This groundbreaking longitudinal study examines gambling behaviour, attitudes, and harm across the NZ adult population. It remains the most comprehensive national resource on gambling participation and harm in the country.
2. Gambling Harm & Public Health Frameworks
Abbott helped develop new conceptual frameworks that broaden the understanding of gambling beyond diagnostic categories — highlighting how behaviours can affect families, communities and public health outcomes.
3. Historical Prevalence Research
In collaboration with Dr Rachel Volberg and others, Abbott conducted some of the world’s first national prevalence surveys into problem gambling — a foundational reference for regulators and industry alike.
Why His Work Matters to iGaming & Casino Audiences
In an era where online gambling and iGaming platforms are rapidly expanding, Prof. Abbott’s research:
- 🧩 Provides evidence-based insights on gaming participation trends and risk factors.
- 📈 Helps regulators and operators understand how different forms of gambling (including casinos and online games) impact public health.
- 🛡 Influences responsible gaming frameworks used by industry bodies to support safe play.
His work underscores the importance of holistic regulation and harm minimisation — principles that are now integral to responsible-gaming strategies across New Zealand’s gambling ecosystem.
Selected Publications
Here are a few widely cited research contributions:
➡️ Abbott, M. & Volberg, R.A. — The New Zealand National Survey of Problem and Pathological Gambling — foundational research into gambling behaviour in NZ.
➡️ Abbott, M. et al. — National Gambling Study Reports — longitudinal insights into gambling patterns across years.
➡️ Abbott, M. — Gambling and Harm in NZ (28-Year Study) — deep exploration of trends, harms and policy implications.
Impact on New Zealand Policy & Public Health
Prof. Abbott’s work has been referenced in government policy discussions where casino regulation, iGaming legality, and harm-minimisation measures intersect with public health mandates. His research supports frameworks that aim to balance player choice with community wellbeing — a central pillar in NZ’s gambling policy discourse.
Drawing on decades of rigorous research and real-world evidence, the work of Max Abbott highlights a clear path forward for the casino and iGaming industry in New Zealand: growth must go hand in hand with responsibility. As online casinos and digital gaming platforms continue to evolve, his insights remind operators, regulators, and players alike that sustainable success is built on transparency, informed choice, and strong player-protection standards. In this context, responsible iGaming is not a limitation—it is the foundation for long-term trust, innovation, and a healthier gambling environment across Aotearoa.
