Gambling culture will likely undergo changes due to various factors, such as technological innovations, regulatory environments and social trends. These shifts could have significant ramifications on gambling culture and its future development.
In this qualitative research project, interviews were held with gamblers and those affected by responsible gambling initiatives to explore their experiences of them. Data were then analyzed through reflexive thematic analysis.
Legalization
Legal sports betting presents new challenges for responsible gambling advocates who fear there is no safety net in place. With states implementing different laws regarding sports gambling, sports leagues and teams should collaborate with responsible gambling advocates in order to address concerns raised.
Most measures in the jurisdictions surveyed focused on individual-frame elements such as self-exclusion programs, warning messages, problem gambling education and treatment, etc. Few policies were framed with system elements in mind; those which did focused on restricting population exposure to gambling advertising (e.g. Albania) or promoting duty of care by requiring operators to ensure gamblers are neither underage nor self-excluded (e.g. Belgium).
This research was made possible thanks to grants from Fonds de recherche du Quebec-Societe et culture and Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Insight Grant to Sylvia Kairouz as well as Concordia University’s Research Chair on Gambling. Samantha Ilacqua also received funding through FRQ-SC Masters Bursary.
Regulation
Gaming industry innovators are continually searching for effective strategies to ensure the wellbeing and safety of those who gamble. Responsible gambling programs provide one such approach; such programs use tools to assist individuals self-assessing their risk potential and prevent dangerous behavior, although such initiatives cannot completely prevent abuse from those at higher risk for addiction.
State and jurisdiction-specific statutes and regulations exist that address responsible gambling (RG). The American Gaming Association’s Responsible Gambling Statutes and Regulations Guide provides a central collection of these policies. While laws vary by state, common provisions include requirements for on property signage and disclosures regarding responsible gaming; requirements that gambling advertisements include messaging regarding responsible gaming with toll-free helpline number; restrictions on advertising to minors; as well as restrictions on marketing/promotion activities by gambling operators(s). Furthermore, several jurisdictions restrict gambling marketing/promotion activities by gambling operators(s).
Taxes
United States state governments collect roughly $35 billion each year in gambling revenues, but unlike taxes on tobacco or alcohol, most of this money goes toward general fund expenses instead.
Responsible gambling initiatives have proven highly successful at mitigating the risks of problem gambling. They focus on increasing awareness and education about problem gambling; self-exclusion programs; support services; treatment services and graphic warnings to increase awareness about its harms while helping identify signs of problem gambling behavior.
United States gaming industry leaders devote millions each year to meeting high regulatory standards and providing customers with tools they need to gamble responsibly. Furthermore, industry leaders spend millions each year on funding independent research to better understand its causes and effects; since 1996 alone, gaming companies have contributed over $40 million toward academic research on gambling problems.
Social impact
Responsible gambling initiatives aim to educate individuals on how to recognize and mitigate the risks associated with gambling, which include relationship, legal and health issues. Gambling can lead to loss of employment or sources of income; strain families and friends; cause emotional distress and potentially contribute to gambling addiction in others.
In the US, various initiatives have been undertaken to promote responsible gambling. This includes self-exclusion programs, warning messages and treatment funding – although these measures represent progress they do not sufficiently address the root causes of gambling harms.
Responsible gaming initiatives must become part of the culture of casinos. This will require partnerships between casino operators and mental/behavioral health providers who specialize in gambling disorder treatment to develop programs which guide vulnerable players toward these partners for online counseling and therapy sessions.
