Professor James Banks’ Inaugural Lecture – Gambling and crime: implications for our justice system

Gambling and crime: what are the implications for criminal justice?

Is the growth in legalised gambling presenting a new challenge for our criminal justice system?

Here in the UK, we have one of the most accessible and varied gambling marketplaces in the world. But it’s becoming increasingly evident that gambling causes serious issues for some individuals, their families, and wider society – including health problems and crime.

So, what are the features of gambling-related crime? Why do some people commit these offences? Is the growth of legalised gambling partly to blame? And do we need a specialised response from our criminal justice system as part of a wider public health approach?

In his inaugural professorial lecture, James Banks will explore the relationship between gambling problems and crime – in the context of a gambling marketplace that institutes harmful practices as a means of accumulating capital.

James’ bio:

James Banks’ research is focused on gambling-related crime and technology, although he continues to publish in other areas. To date, the professor has authored two specialist research studies – Online Gambling and Crime: Causes, Controls and Controversies, and Gambling, Crime and Society.

James’ research has also been published in high-ranking journals such as International Gambling Studies, the European Journal of Criminology, the International Journal of Comparative Criminology, and Offender Therapy, Crime, Media, Culture, and Critical Criminology. He maintains a record of planning, securing, leading and successfully delivering funded research projects from charities and grant-making organisations that inform policy and practice.

Event Schedule:

18:00 Arrival

18:30 Professorial Lecture and Q&A

19:30 Drinks reception

20:00 Event close

Part of the SHU Professorial Lecture Series collection