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

A freedom of information request by the University's Student Council revealed significant stockholdings in Entain, which owns Ladbrokes and Neds brands and holds a 50% stake in BetMGM. The university also holds positions in Aristocrat, a Sydney-based supplier of slot machines and gaming services.

Student Council President Angus Fisher expressed concern about the university profiting from an industry associated with addiction and exploitation, particularly given Australia's high problem gambling rates. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare estimates adults lose over AU$1,000 annually to gambling.

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 controversy stems from the university's acceptance of funding from these gaming companies, including:

• A grant from Entain and the International Center for Responsible Gaming to establish the Center of Excellence in Gambling Research
• Ongoing contributions from Aristocrat to the university's Gambling Treatment and Research Clinic

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, while the UK's National Health Service stopped accepting gaming-related donations in 2022 to maintain public trust in its research integrity.

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