Who is Alex Blaszczynski
My name is Alex Blaszczynski, and I have spent the better part of four decades trying to understand why people gamble — and, more importantly, why some of them cannot stop. I am a Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Sydney, Director of the Gambling Treatment Clinic, and a researcher whose work sits at the uncomfortable intersection of human psychology, public health, and the commercial gambling industry.
I hold a BA, MA, Dip.Psych, and a PhD in psychology, all grounded in evidence-based clinical research. My work at Avantgarde Casino is not about promoting gambling as a lifestyle — it is about making sure that Australian players who choose to gamble do so with accurate information, realistic expectations, and clear access to support tools where they need them.
General Profile
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Alex Blaszczynski |
| Academic title | Professor of Clinical Psychology |
| Qualifications | BA, MA, Dip.Psych, PhD |
| Institution | University of Sydney |
| Research unit | Gambling Research Unit (co-director) |
| Clinical role | Director, Gambling Treatment Clinic |
| Journal editorship | Editor-in-chief, International Gambling Studies |
| Country | Australia |
| Currency in reviews | A$ |
Academic Background and Career Path
I completed my undergraduate and postgraduate studies at the University of New South Wales before moving to the University of Sydney. My PhD, completed in 1988, examined clinical studies in pathological gambling — a topic that was barely discussed in mainstream psychology at the time. I have co-directed the Gambling Research Unit and the Gambling Treatment Clinic, where I have worked face-to-face with hundreds of patients.
| Stage | Institution | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate/Postgrad | University of New South Wales | — |
| PhD (Psychology) | University of Sydney | 1988 |
| Clinical Career | Director, Gambling Treatment Clinic | Ongoing |
Key Research Contributions
My most cited work is the “pathways model” of problem gambling (2002), which proposes that different psychological routes lead to gambling addiction. My research also covers:
- Electronic gaming machine design and its effect on players;
- Relationship between gambling, impulsivity, and sensation-seeking;
- Randomised controlled trials for CBT treatments;
- Offshore gambling behaviour among Australian players.
Selected Publications
With over 29,000 citations on Google Scholar, my work is among the most referenced in the field globally.
| Year | Publication | Outlet |
|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Clinical studies in pathological gambling | University of NSW |
| 2002 | A pathways model of problem gambling | Addiction |
| 2016 | Offshore online gambling and Australian players | International Gambling Studies |
| 2023 | Royal Commission findings on casino governance | Responsible Gambling Fund |
What I Review at Avantgarde Casino
My role in 2026 is to provide factual, player-focused reviews with an emphasis on transparency. When assessing a product, I focus on:
- RTP (Return to Player): Clear disclosure of payout percentages;
- Wagering Requirements: Analysis of bonus terms to prevent player misunderstanding;
- A$ Context: Withdrawal speeds and limits specifically for Australian players;
- Responsible Gambling Tools: Quality of deposit limits, self-exclusion, and support links;
- Licensing: Verifying the credibility of jurisdictions.
My approach is simple: accuracy first, opinion second. I highlight when a casino has strong harm-minimisation features and call out those that target vulnerable players with aggressive tactics.
