David Forrest is a British applied economist and econometrician best known for his research into gambling markets, sports betting behaviour and regulatory policy in the United Kingdom. Based in England, he has spent decades analysing how gambling systems function — not just from a business perspective, but from a public-interest and policy standpoint.
His academic work focuses on betting markets, sports integrity, consumer behaviour and the economic impact of gambling regulation. Unlike commentators who approach the industry purely from a commercial angle, Forrest’s research examines measurable outcomes: participation patterns, risk factors, market efficiency and the real-world consequences of regulatory intervention. His publications are widely cited in discussions around UK gambling reform and responsible gambling frameworks.
He has contributed extensively to the academic literature on sports economics, including studies on betting market efficiency, match integrity, and behavioural responses to gambling incentives. His work often bridges the gap between theory and policy, providing empirical data that regulators and policymakers can rely on when shaping legislation.
Beyond academia, Forrest has played an advisory role in matters related to responsible gambling and sports integrity. He has collaborated with public bodies and international organisations, offering analytical insight into how betting markets operate and how risks such as match manipulation or excessive gambling behaviour can be identified and mitigated.
What distinguishes David Forrest’s perspective is balance. He does not approach gambling as inherently negative nor uncritically positive. Instead, he treats it as an economic system that must be understood through data, incentives and behavioural evidence. In the context of the UK — one of the most mature and tightly regulated gambling markets in the world — his research remains particularly relevant when debates arise over advertising restrictions, affordability checks or the evolution of online casino regulation.
In short, David Forrest is regarded as one of the leading British academic voices on gambling economics, known for combining statistical rigour with practical policy relevance.