Matthew Rockloff: A Leading Voice in Australian Gambling Research
Matthew Rockloff is a professor of psychology and a key figure in shaping Australia’s understanding of gambling-related harm. As the head of the Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory (EGRL) at CQUniversity, his work provides the scientific foundation for many of the country’s responsible gambling policies and regulatory frameworks.
His research specialty lies in how the design of gambling products, particularly electronic gaming machines (EGMs), interacts with human psychology. Rockloff’s approach combines rigorous large-scale population surveys with unconventional experimental methods to understand why people gamble and how to minimize associated risks.
General Profile
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Matthew Rockloff |
| Academic degree | PhD (Psychology) |
| Position | Professor & Head of Laboratory |
| Institution | CQUniversity (Australia) |
| Laboratory | Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory (EGRL) |
| Main specialisation | Problem gambling, behavioural psychology, EGM design |
| Country | Australia |
| Based in | Bundaberg, QLD |
| Citation record | Thousands of academic citations |
| Awards | Ig Nobel Prize (Economics), Multiple Excellence in Research awards |
Education and Academic Career
Rockloff earned his doctorate in the United States before moving to Australia, where he established himself as a central hub for behavioural research in the gambling sector.
| Stage/Period | Institution / Role | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Florida Atlantic University | PhD in Psychology |
| 2001 | Relocation to Australia | Joined CQUniversity Queensland |
| 2009–2017 | Population Research Laboratory | Head of Large-scale Survey Operations |
| Present | EGRL, CQUniversity | Head of Experimental Gambling Research |
The “Crocodile Study” and Scientific Innovation
In 2017, Matthew Rockloff and his colleague Nancy Greer received the Ig Nobel Prize in Economics for their study involving live crocodiles. The experiment tested how the physiological arousal (excitement) caused by handling a crocodile influenced subsequent gambling behaviour. This study highlighted that high levels of excitement can lead to increased risk-taking, providing a serious lesson for the design of gaming environments.
Key Research Areas
Rockloff’s work is essential for understanding the mechanics of modern gambling:
| Research Theme | Focus |
|---|---|
| Electronic Gaming Machines | Analysis of design features and their harm potential |
| Skill-based Gaming | Overlap between video games and casino machines |
| Self-Regulation | Effectiveness of tools players use to manage their limits |
| Public Health Framing | Assessing gambling products as consumer goods with utility vs harm |
| Population Surveys | Large-scale data on gambling prevalence in Australia |
Academic Contribution and Recognition
Beyond his research, Rockloff is an award-winning educator, frequently recognized as one of Australia’s top lecturers. He collaborates with a vast network of experts from the University of Melbourne, Flinders, and Deakin University.
- Top 15 Unijobs Lecturer (2011, 2012, 2013);
- CQUniversity Bundaberg Prize for Excellence in Research;
- Aurel B. Newell Fellow (Two-time recipient).
Relevance to the iGaming Industry
Matthew Rockloff’s profile is vital for any resource focusing on analytical and responsible gambling because:
- His work explains the psychological mechanics behind casino game design;
- He provides evidence-based strategies for harm-minimisation and player protection;
- His research bridges the gap between academic science and regulatory policy in Australia.
