Behavioral Science of Gambling and Decision-Making
I am a cognitive scientist specializing in decision-making, gambling, and behavioral systems. My research focuses on gambling behavior, structural features of games, and factors driving risk-taking and persistence, as well as the role of cognitive biases in these processes. I combine psychological theory and empirical data to better understand and reduce harmful behaviors.
Background
I hold a PhD and the title of docent in cognitive science from the University of Helsinki. I am also a docent in the study of games and well-being at Tampere University. Currently, I am a senior researcher at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), focusing on gambling harm prevention and policy-relevant research.
Research Focus
I have published over 80 scientific papers. My work employs a combination of large-scale datasets, experimental designs, and theory-driven modeling. Recent projects include:
- Investigating links between personality traits, intelligence, and
horse race betting
- Analyzing how accurately self-reported gambling behavior matches
observed operator data
- Evaluating lower-risk gambling guidelines in Finland
- Studying differences in gambling habits and harms across the Nordic countries