By Damian Martinez, journalist at G&M News.
With many years of experience studying problematic gambling, what does the term “responsible gaming” mean to you personally? What topics does this concept cover?
First of all, it is important to note that most people gamble responsibly. As with other problems, gambling disorder, which affects 1-2% of gamblers, is a brain function disorder. Interestingly, since we began to do research on gambling 25 years ago, the prevalence has remained largely the same. Another 5% or so are considered problem gamblers. Responsible gamblers spend within their means, budget, oftentimes set time limits, get up and walk around and see gambling as a form of entertainment. Responsible gamblers understand the odds. These are things that disordered gamblers do not do and effectively chase their losses making the harmful impact greater. It is the mission of the ICRG to do research in an attempt to mitigate risks and harm to vulnerable players.
How can we identify a person who has problems with betting? What are the triggers that can lead a person to become a problematic gambler?
Typically, people self-identify or are identified by a family member. Disordered gamblers oftentimes are very good at hiding the problem. It doesn’t express as evidently as drug or alcohol abuse. People on the casino floor can also be effective in noting problem behavior. Sometimes, it’s as simple as suggesting some down time over a meal or getting fresh air to someone in a non-judgmental fashion. As a brain function disorder, it is the stimulus that comes with indulging in gambling that generates the disorder.
What steps do you recommend to help someone who has a gambling problem, both from the point of view of medicine and from within the family environment?
There are a number of ways to help someone with a problem. They can place themselves on a self-exclusion list so they are denied access. There are counselors who can help along with drug therapies. A call to a hotline can help to determine the best course of affairs based upon available services in the person’s jurisdiction.
What initiatives are promoted by the International Center for Responsible Gaming to combat gambling disorders?
We focus on prevention. We work with casinos and online companies to adopt policies and practices to make players aware of potential dangers. Many companies provide collateral on how to gamble responsibly. We also have a website, and we focus on safer gambling practices amongst college students. Sports betting and online gaming may present new challenges, which is why we are providing funding support for research in those spaces.
What are the pending issues of the global gaming industry on responsible gaming? How could the interaction between consumers and companies be improved?
If you don’t do research that provides evidence based data, then legislators and regulators will rely on guesswork leading to uninformed decisions. The industry is beginning to understand the dangers associated with this practice. Further, quality research takes time, but once completed, it must be translated, new approaches tried and, if effective, be adopted.