Conflict arises surrounding University of Sydney investing in Entain and Aristocrat

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The University of Sydney has been investing in gambling harms research thanks to support from betting giant, Entain and games manufacturer Aristocrat.

However, slight conflicts have arisen after documents proved that the university has bought shares in Aristocrat and Entain between 2021 and early 2024.

Gambling giant Entain is a foundational sponsor of the centre of excellence in gambling research at the university, investing in gambling research and case studies. Entain are known for being the parent company to some of the biggest operators in the gambling industry like BetMGM and Ladbrokes.

Aristocrat is a games manufacturer that is also home to the world’s biggest poker machine. This company has also invested in research and development at the university, with its 2023 sustainability report reflecting its support for the university’s research and treatment clinic.

The documents also showed that the university had invested into IGT, Crown Resorts and Star Entertainment Group until mid-2022. Despite being public information, these documents have been brought to light due to the university’s student representative council obtaining them. 

The student council’s president, Angus Fisher disapproves of the investments into gambling-related companies despite them funding academic research.

Fisher commented: “This issue is particularly pressing as gambling-related harm disproportionately affects vulnerable communities, and the industry’s role in funding research can lead to perceived or actual conflicts of interest.

“It is concerning that a university committed to advancing knowledge and social equity may be profiting from an industry that thrives on exploitation and addiction.”

A university spokesperson said it was a “not-for-profit entity and re-invests all available revenue into enhancing research and teaching capabilities”.

“We have strict rules around our investments and in recent years have reviewed our strategies to improve environmentally, socially and financially responsible investment practices.

“It is in all universities’ interests to ensure our research is robust and ethical – our research integrity is essential to our success. We have policies in place to ensure the avoidance and appropriate management of actual, apparent or perceived conflicts of interest by university staff and affiliates.”