Matthew Rockloff: Gambling Researcher and Reviewer at Pocket Pokies
Matthew Rockloff has spent more than two decades studying the way Australians gamble. As the head of the Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory (EGRL), he combines large-scale population research with experimental methods to understand why people gamble, what drives harm, and what policy levers actually work for the Australian community.
Writing for Pocket Pokies in 2026, Matthew brings a level of academic rigour and transparency to casino reviews that is rare in the iGaming industry. His approach ensures that players receive honest, data-driven information about the platforms they choose to use.
General Profile
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Matthew Rockloff |
| Academic degree | PhD (Psychology), MS (Economics) |
| Position | Professor / Head of Laboratory |
| Institution | Central Queensland University (CQUniversity) |
| Laboratory | Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory (EGRL) |
| Specialisation | Gambling behaviour, psychology, economics |
| Country | Australia |
| Research focus | Consumer behaviour & harm reduction |
| Google Scholar citations | 6,000+ |
Education and Academic Background
Matthew’s unique perspective is shaped by his background in both economics and psychology, allowing him to analyse the gambling industry from both a financial and behavioural standpoint.
| Degree | Institution | Year |
|---|---|---|
| BA (Economics) | University of California | — |
| MS (Economics) | Texas A&M University | — |
| PhD (Psychology) | Florida Atlantic University | 1999 |
| Post-doctoral Fellow | University of Nevada, Reno | 2000-2001 |
Key Research and Policy Impact
Matthew and his team at EGRL have been instrumental in providing evidence-based data to Australian government bodies. His research has directly influenced several regulatory changes, including:
- Bans on wagering advertising during general television viewing hours;
- Regulations regarding punter inducements and bonus mechanics;
- Development of mandatory gambling information messaging for online betting;
- National self-exclusion and limit-setting availability tools.
Awards and Recognition
Professor Rockloff’s work has been recognised both for its scientific depth and its ability to communicate complex psychological concepts to the public.
| Year | Award / Recognition |
|---|---|
| 2017 | Ig Nobel Prize in Economics (Crocodile gambling study) |
| 2014 | UniJobs Lecturer of the Year (#6 in Australia) |
| 2012 | CQUniversity Bundaberg Prize for Excellence in Research |
| Multiple | Aurel B. Newell Fellow & Jack Walker Scholar |
Approach to Casino Reviews in 2026
Matthew’s reviews on Pocket Pokies are governed by the same evidence-based standards he applies in his academic work. His methodology includes:
- Transparency Audit: Checking RTP disclosures and the clarity of Terms & Conditions.
- Safety Check: Evaluating the strength of responsible gambling tools (deposit limits, session reminders).
- Functional Testing: Hands-on verification of withdrawal speeds and mobile interface stability.
- Honest Assessment: Identifying buried clauses or predatory wagering requirements that most reviewers miss.
Responsible Gambling Note
“Gambling is enjoyable for most people and harmful for a significant minority. Population-level harm from gambling is akin to that from alcohol consumption. If gambling has stopped feeling like entertainment, please contact the National Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858, which is available 24/7.” — Matthew Rockloff
