The University of Sydney's investments in gaming companies Entain Group and Aristocrat Leisure Limited have sparked controversy due to potential conflicts of interest in gambling research funding.

Documents obtained through a freedom of information request revealed that the university holds significant stock in Entain, which owns Ladbrokes and Neds brands and has a 50% stake in BetMGM. The university also has investments in Aristocrat, a Sydney-based gaming supplier.

Student Council President Angus Fisher expressed concern about the university profiting from an industry associated with exploitation and addiction, particularly given Australia's high problem gambling rates, where adults lose an average of AU$1,000 annually.

The university's AU$4.3 billion (US$2.7 billion) endowment previously included investments in Crown Resorts and Star Entertainment. A university spokesperson maintained that investments don't influence research integrity, citing strict rules and policies to manage potential conflicts of interest.

In 2023, the university established its Center of Excellence in Gambling Research through funding from the International Center for Responsible Gaming and Entain. Aristocrat has also been a long-term contributor to the university's Gambling Treatment and Research Clinic.

This situation reflects broader concerns about gambling industry influence on research. The World Health Organization recently highlighted the need to address "gambling industry corporate political activity" and its research influence. In 2022, the UK's National Health Service stopped accepting gaming-related donations to maintain public trust in its research.

The controversy adds to ongoing debates about the independence of gambling research when funded by industry stakeholders, particularly given the significant tax revenue governments receive from gaming activities.

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