The University of Sydney's investments in major gaming companies Entain Group and Aristocrat Leisure Limited have sparked conflict of interest concerns, as both companies fund gambling research at the institution.

Documents obtained through a freedom of information request revealed the university holds significant stock in Entain, which owns Ladbrokes and Neds brands and holds a 50% stake in BetMGM. The university also has investments in Aristocrat, a Sydney-based gaming manufacturer.

Student Council President Angus Fisher expressed concern about these investments, noting that gambling disproportionally affects vulnerable communities. Australia has one of the world's highest problem gambling rates, with adults losing an average of AU$1,000 annually.

The university's AU$4.3 billion (US$2.7 billion) endowment previously included investments in Crown Resorts and Star Entertainment. A university spokesperson maintained that investments don't influence research integrity, citing strict rules and policies to manage potential conflicts of interest.

The institution's gambling research initiatives include:

• Center of Excellence in Gambling Research (funded by Entain and the International Center for Responsible Gaming)
• Gambling Treatment and Research Clinic (supported by Aristocrat)

This situation reflects a broader concern in gambling research. The World Health Organization recently highlighted the need to address the gaming industry's influence on research. In 2022, the UK's National Health Service stopped accepting gaming-related donations to maintain public trust in its research.

The university maintains that its research integrity policies effectively manage actual and perceived conflicts of interest, though critics argue that industry-funded research presents inherent conflicts in studying gambling-related harms.

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