Alex M. T. Russell: Researcher of iGaming and Modern Gambling in Australia
Alex M. T. Russell is an Australian academic and one of the leading researchers in the field of gambling, online casinos, and the behavioural impacts of iGaming. His work focuses on how digital technologies, gamification, and advertising influence player behaviour and create new risks within the gambling industry.
He holds the position of Associate Professor (Principal Research Fellow) at CQUniversity (Australia) and is a key researcher at the Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory (EGRL) — a research centre specialising in gambling, betting, and online casino studies.
General Profile
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Alex M. T. Russell |
| Academic degree | PhD (Psychology) |
| Position | Associate Professor / Principal Research Fellow |
| Institution | CQUniversity (Australia) |
| Laboratory | Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory (EGRL) |
| Main specialisation | Gambling, iGaming, player behaviour |
| Country | Australia |
| ORCID | Link |

Education and Academic Background
Alex M. T. Russell received his education in psychology at the University of Sydney, where he developed a strong foundation in experimental methods and statistics. His early research was not directly related to gambling, which later allowed him to approach gambling studies from an interdisciplinary and methodologically rigorous perspective.
| Stage | Institution |
|---|---|
| BSc (Psychology) | University of Sydney |
| Graduate Diploma (Psychology, with Merit) | University of Sydney |
| PhD (Psychology) | University of Sydney |
Career and Professional Activity
After completing his doctoral studies, Russell worked in several research centres focused on gambling studies, gradually becoming one of Australia’s key experts in this field.
| Period | Position | Institution |
|---|---|---|
| up to 2014 | Lecturer / Researcher | Southern Cross University |
| 2014–2016 | Postdoctoral Fellow | Centre for Gambling Education and Research |
| 2016 – present | Principal Research Fellow, Associate Professor | CQUniversity (EGRL) |
He also teaches statistics and research methods, which is reflected in the analytical depth and evidence-based nature of his work.
Key Research Areas
Alex M. T. Russell’s research covers the most important topics in modern iGaming:
| Area | Focus |
|---|---|
| Online casinos | Impact of digital casinos on player behaviour |
| Sports betting | Advertising, live betting, mobile platforms |
| Gamification | Loot boxes, social casinos, video games |
| Behavioural risks | Development of problem gambling |
| Responsible gambling | Harm-minimisation policies |
Publications and Academic Contribution
Alex M. T. Russell is the author and co-author of over 150 academic publications, widely used by regulators, researchers, and responsible gambling organisations.
| Year | Topic | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Social casinos and online gambling | Computers in Human Behavior |
| 2018 | Problem gambling and digital platforms | Psychology of Addictive Behaviors |
| 2020 | Loot boxes as a pathway to gambling | Gambling Research Australia |
| 2021 | Betting advertising and social media | Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation |
| 2024 | NSW gambling population studies | NSW Responsible Gambling Fund |
Relevance to Online Casinos and iGaming
Alex M. T. Russell research provides a strong expert foundation for:
- analytical descriptions of online casinos;
- educational content about iGaming in Australia;
- Responsible Gambling sections;
- regulatory and reference materials.
His name is frequently cited as an expert authority in discussions about online casinos, sports betting, and digital gambling environments.
Alex M. T. Russell is a key figure in the study of modern gambling in Australia. His research helps explain how online casinos and iGaming products influence player behaviour and what mechanisms can be used to reduce gambling-related harm.
For informational and analytical iGaming resources, his profile represents expertise, credibility, and strong alignment with E-E-A-T principles.


