Funding will enable two research projects aiming to develop innovative solutions for player protection
Allwyn has announced the recipients of its inaugural Allwyn Player Protection Lab award, an initiative aimed at supporting innovative research to advance player safety.
Following a thorough selection process, Allwyn’s global Responsible Gaming Department has selected projects by renowned academic Dr. Michael Auer and internationally respected Newton University in the Czech Republic.
Each research project will now receive funding of up to €100,000 from Allwyn.
Dr. Auer’s project aims to improve player protection by testing personalised messages that encourage safer gambling behaviour. His study will combine real-world player data with self-reported insights to test various messages at key moments and measure their impact on behaviours such as spending, limit setting, and taking breaks.
Newton University will develop a Safe Gambling Assessment Tool (SGAT) tailored to Generation Z’s digital behaviours to improve responsible gaming. The study focuses on understanding how younger players engage differently with online versus offline gambling, particularly in areas such as self-control, limit-setting, and attitudes toward risk.
“Player protection is core to what we do and are committed to making play better for all wherever we operate,” said Allwyn chief executive Robert Chvátal. “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. Auer said: “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, project lead at Newton University, said the significant funding will enable Newton to bring its 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,” Zimčík added. “We hope the research will provide valuable insights and contribute to even more effective approaches in this important area.”
Both research projects are expected to be completed by September 2027.