The ICE Research Institute

Independent Research. Practical Insight. Real-World Impact.

The ICE Research Institute is the flagship legacy initiative of ICE Barcelona, created, in cooperation with Fira Barcelona, to generate lasting impact beyond the event itself.

We fund independent, applied research focused on prevention, sustainability, responsible innovation and the wider social impact of gambling. Our goal is not simply to support research, but to help ensure that evidence is translated into practical tools, better policies, more effective prevention and real-world implementation.

Why We Exist

The gambling sector faces increasingly complex challenges relating to prevention, technology, consumer protection, public perception and responsible innovation.

At the same time, valuable research often remains disconnected from the people and organisations that could benefit from it.

The ICE Research Institute was created to help bridge that gap by supporting research that is:

Scientifically rigorous
Focused on prevention rather than treatment.
Relevant to real-world challenges.
Designed with implementation in mind.
Connected to Spanish academic and scientific institutions.
Built around collaboration between academia, industry and stakeholders.

What Makes Us Different?

Through ICE, iGB Live, iGaming Business and the wider World Gaming network, we are uniquely positioned to help research reach operators, regulators, policymakers, educators and industry professionals.

Our focus is not only on generating knowledge, but also on encouraging discussion, facilitating collaboration, promoting adoption and supporting practical implementation.

Success, for us, is not measured only by published papers.

It is measured by whether research helps improve decisions, tools, prevention strategies and outcomes.

Current Research Portfolio

Stigma & Public Perception

Episteme Social + Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

This project explores how media narratives and public discourse influence societal perceptions of gambling, prevention efforts and help-seeking behaviour. By analysing 726 articles published in Spanish media over a 14-year period, the study examines how stigma can become an obstacle to prevention and engagement with support services. Findings are already being used to inform discussions around prevention messaging, public communication and media engagement.

GamBrain: AI-Powered Early Detection

Fundación Patología Dual

GamBrain combines clinical, behavioural and genetic data with artificial intelligence to identify vulnerability to gambling disorder and related psychiatric conditions before severe harm develops. The project is developing a scalable digital platform and predictive model that could eventually support earlier intervention, personalised prevention and improved public-health planning.

Applied Neuroscience for Prevention

Politecnico di Milano + Universitat Politècnica de València

Using EEG, eye-tracking and physiological measurements, this project investigates whether responsible gambling messages actually change behaviour and which communication approaches are most effective. The goal is to generate evidence-based guidance for prevention campaigns, operators and policymakers instead of relying on assumptions about what works.

Safer Gambling Tool Adoption

University of La Rioja + McGill University + BetBlocker

Many harm-minimisation tools exist, but relatively few people use them. This research examines why. Through user studies, stakeholder interviews and implementation research, the project explores awareness, trust, messaging and engagement to better understand how safer gambling tools can achieve greater real-world impact

AI Registry

UNLV AIR Hub + Universidad Rey Juan Carlos

As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly embedded across gambling operations, this project is developing a practical framework to support transparency, governance and oversight. The research will deliver an AI Registry model and an online assessment tool that organisations can use to evaluate areas such as risk, governance, transparency and accountability.

Prevention versus Prohibition

Emooti (University of La Rioja) + Proyecto FES

This research investigates whether prevention-based approaches are more effective than restrictive or prohibition-oriented strategies in addressing behavioural addiction risks among adolescents. Combining a scientific review with a school-based pilot study, the project aims to generate evidence that can support educators, families, healthcare professionals and policymakers working with young people.

Beyond Research

The ICE Research Institute forms part of the wider ICE Legacy Project.

In addition to funding academic research directly, we also support initiatives developed in partnership with ACENCAS Prevención Activa, including:

Observatorio de Prevención Activa

Supporting the generation of evidence and clinical insight into behavioural and social addictions through applied research and prevention-focused initiatives.

Termómetro de las Adicciones Sociales

A social listening initiative designed to distinguish media alarm from genuine social concern and identify emerging trends before they become broader societal challenges.

Professional Education & Training

Specialist training programmes for professionals working in psychology, psychiatry, education and health, helping bring evidence-based prevention into day-to-day practice.

Looking Ahead

Over the coming years, the ICE Research Institute will continue evolving from a research funding platform into a research translation and adoption platform.

Our ambition is to become a leading global hub connecting evidence, industry and policy—funding research, translating insight and supporting real-world implementation.

Get Involved

We welcome conversations with:

Universities and researchers.
Policymakers and regulators.
Technology organisations.
Charities and NGOs.
Industry stakeholders.

If you have a research idea, would like to explore collaboration opportunities, or are interested in helping translate research into practical impact, we would love to hear from you.

Contact:
Ewa Bakun
Director, ICE Research Institute
ewa.bakun@worldgamingbusiness.com

Our Mission:

Invest in research that shapes the gambling sector's business practices, efficiency, and regulation.
Provide reliable, evidence-based data for informed decisions across the industry.
Promote understanding of gambling's societal impact and ways to reduce harm, with a focus on Spain and Catalonia.
Build partnerships between researchers and industry, applying insights to real-world challenges.
Encourage international academic collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Our Vision:

Bridge the gap between research and industry for evidence-driven decisions.
Deepen understanding of gambling's impacts locally and globally.
Advance research in areas like sustainability, prevention, and risk management.
Support turning research into actionable projects and solutions.
Fund universities and labs transforming insights into practice.

Our Commitment:

Collaborate with the gambling sector to identify research priorities for better regulation and operation.
Prioritize projects with strong research-industry partnerships and co-funding.
Uphold research integrity, scientific rigor, and impartiality, free from commercial or political influence.