The Ongoing Challenge: Defining Problem Gambling in the Gaming Industry
Webinar by Mindway AI addresses challenges related to problematic gambling behaviors
Let's face it, describing the problem gambling landscape in the gaming industry is just as daunting as painting the essence of a sunset to a blind man. During a Mindway AI-sponsored webinar titled "Beyond the Month: Sustained Policy Impact on Problem Gambling," panelists unanimously agreed - there's no one-size-fits-all answer.
"It's all about shedding light on this problematic gambling behavior. There's always room for improvement," said Mindway AI CEO Rasmus Kjaergaard. "And the regulatory landscape? Well, that's a whole different ball game, depending on where you're standing."
As the gaming landscape in the United States keeps expanding and evolving, responsible gaming becomes increasingly essential for folks working within the space. But responsible gaming expert and consultant, Brianne Doura-Schawohl, points out that pockets of resistance still linger.
"There's a widespread belief that problem gambling policies and measures are jeopardizing business sustainability," Doura-Schawohl explained. "Ever heard this one? 'Good problem gambling policy equals a stifled business innovation.' I hear that a lot."
Massachusetts Gaming Commission's Director of Research and Responsible Gaming, Mark Vander Linden, shared that he's managed to gain support for his responsible gambling efforts, even with the occasional pushback.
"Frankly, I've been told that problem gamblers should be removed from casinos. But I recognize that view isn't universal," Vander Linden shared. "I want people to feel cared for, not just casinos making bank."
Kjaergaard likened responsible gambling programs to safety mechanisms like anti-crash systems on airplanes or lane tracking assistance monitors on cars. While most gamblers might not require these resources, they're crucial for those struggling with problem gambling.
"The majority of gamblers aren't at high risk. They don't need much more than basic awareness. But those with potential issues? They should get help as soon as possible to avoid spinning out of control," Kjaergaard emphasized.
Thomas Simcock, a principal analyst for Vixio Regulatory Intelligence, highlighted another challenge facing problem gamblers - mental health issues. He argued that viewing problem gambling solely from a gambling perspective ignores a crucial aspect of the equation.
"Treating problem gambling as a standalone issue overlooks a significant piece of the puzzle. Mental health issues often underlie problem gambling," Simcock explained.
Finally, the issue of unregulated markets is looming large in the problem gambling debate. These operators usually lack responsible gaming programs, posing a risk to consumers. Simcock suggested a strategy to combat this issue:
"The best way to protect consumers from unlicensed operators is to make regulated online gaming platforms appealing enough so players won't seek out unregulated markets," Simcock suggested.
Key Strategies to Combat Problem Gambling
- Regulatory Actions
- States like Arizona issue cease-and-desist orders against illegal online gambling operators.
- Regulators in Arizona warn residents about the dangers of unlicensed casinos and sweepstakes platforms.
- Promoting Regulated Markets
- Advocates argue that regulated markets offer better consumer protections and problem gambling tools compared to unregulated platforms.
- Public Awareness and Task Forces
- States like New Jersey have established Responsible Gaming Task Forces to address gambling harms.
- Public awareness campaigns about the risks of unregulated gambling and the benefits of regulated markets are crucial.
- Legislative and Policy Changes
- Discussions around legalizing iGaming often involve strategies to minimize problem gambling while maximizing benefits from regulated markets.
- Strengthening consumer protection laws to safeguard vulnerable populations from unregulated operators is a priority.
- Rasmus Kjaergaard, the CEO of Mindway AI, defined responsible gambling as a crucial safety mechanism, much like anti-crash systems on airplanes or lane tracking assistance on cars, emphasizing its importance for those struggling with problem gambling.
- In the gaming industry, the panelists discussed during the Mindway AI-sponsored webinar agreed that there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to defining problem gambling, acknowledging the need for continuous improvement in understanding and addressing this issue.
- Massachusetts Gaming Commission's Director of Research and Responsible Gaming, Mark Vander Linden, shared that while he faces occasional resistance when advocating for responsible gambling measures, he has managed to gain support from some, prioritizing the well-being of individuals over the potential financial gain of casinos.
