Kei Sakata

Dr Kei Sakata is an economist with over 20 years’ experience working with large data sets. Using advanced econometric methods, he has conducted a number of policy evaluations in the areas of health, labour and population. 

Before joining the Australian Gambling Research Centre, Kei had taught econometrics and statistics in Ritsumeikan University in Japan for 15 years. Most of his projects aim to determine causation rather than merely measure correlation. He applies various identification strategies to isolate causation such as natural experiments, instrumental variables, simultaneous equations, selection bias correction, panel data fixed effects, and difference-in-differences.

His current research interests include: behavioural economic analysis of addictive behaviours; the effects of mental health on gambling; sample selection issues in gambling research; and the effects of financial literacy on problem gambling.