By Damian Martinez, journalist at G&M News.
What initiatives do the International Gambling Counselor Certification Board promote to combat problem gambling?
The International Gambling Counselor Certification Board’s mission is to promote high-quality training and standards for counseling professionals seeking certification to help individuals with problem gambling and gaming. We seek to improve the quality of treatment and training available to people around the world by partnering with organizations in ensuring best practices are met when training others in treatment approaches. The IGCCB has adopted the following organizational goals to aid in the certification of gambling counselors: a) to assure that this certification and registry process is available to all interested applicants; b) to establish and endorse a professional code of ethics; c) to maintain coordination and liaison with state officials, professional associations and educational institutions to keep current developments in the field of gambling treatment, and to annually review, modify, update and improve current standards of competence, skills and knowledge, and d) to establish a central registry of certified gambling counselors and maintain all necessary records of applicants. Certification and registry of gambling counselors internationally is a voluntary process conceived by professionals in both the treatment field and the professional community to endorse an independent body to conduct the certification and registration process. The International Gambling Counselor Certification Board is composed of members who represent geographic, cultural, professional, and recovery diversity.
What does the concept of ‘responsible gaming’ mean to you? What topics does this term cover?
I would define ‘responsible gaming’ as ensuring that your well-being and health are in balance and not negatively impacting any areas of your life. To understand the concept of responsible gaming, I think it is important to think about “what is problem gaming” and then think “responsible gaming is the opposite of problem gaming.” Meaning that your gaming does not lead to any consequences in your life that negatively impact your living.
How can we detect a person who has problems with gambling? What are the triggers that can lead a person to start having issues with this entertainment activity?
As a clinician, there are key factors that are notable when someone is experiencing problem gambling. Essentially, this looks like when gaming and gambling behavior is negatively impacting their well-being and health; in particular, if their behavior is impacting their psychosocial functioning. This would look like experiencing financial hardships with pay bills, rent, or food due to their gambling behavior. Another common way to identify when it becomes a problem is when loved ones in your life, like family or friends, are impacted by it. Perhaps they start to argue with you more about the behavior or feel that all your time and effort is spent on gambling. When it comes to triggers, one of the most common is stress. One someone is feeling stressed, they often want to alleviate it by engaging in something that takes their mind off the stress as a form of coping with life issues. When gambling becomes their primary way of coping with stress, that is when the behavior can become problematic. The same can be said for negative or unwanted emotions. If someone is feeling sad, angry, or depressed, and they engage in gambling as a primary way to cope with those feelings, this can also lead to a trigger for problem gambling.
What is the best way to help someone who has a gambling problem?
Educate yourself on problem gambling by doing some research or talking to a professional. It is important to understand that the person may or may not be aware of how much their problem gambling is impacting themselves and others. Establish open communication with them using a non-judgmental approach. Many people feel shame, consciously or unconsciously, when they are in active dependence. Being non-judgmental and approaching them about your concerns that come from a caring place is best. Set boundaries and limits to help yourself and others. Identifying clear boundaries around the problem behavior and setting limits on gambling activities is essential. Involve the family in the process by encouraging them to provide support, understanding, and boundaries. Stand together in your intention to help the individual who is struggling with problem gambling. Develop healthy coping and promote self-care. As problem behavior can often be a form of escapism from unwanted emotions or thoughts, finding other ways to cope with these feelings and to promote self-care outside of gambling with the family can help to change those behavior patterns. It will not happen overnight, but with willingness, time and reinforcement, new coping can take place. Find a professional to help. With addictive behaviors, there are many mental health factors that impact a person and are associated with what lead the person to where they are today. Seeking a clinical professional trained to treat problem gambling is important as is the intention to treat underlying and overt symptoms that present with the behavior to help ensure a longer recovery and improve well-being and health.
Although there is really a lot of work around this topic, it is clear that there are still pending issues. How could the gaming industry as a whole improve its actions regarding the promotion of responsible gaming, both inside and outside the sector?
I think the gaming industry could further support responsible gaming by providing employee training to those within the gaming industry on recognizing the signs of problem gaming, as well as providing them with information on how to support responsible gaming. Other actions could be implementing safety features to encourage responsible gaming by leveraging technology to aid in this process; or increasing transparency with game design, particularly in the chances or odds surrounding loot boxes and in-game purchases. By disclosing the odds and probabilities associated with RNG items or randomized items, they can support informed decision making. Besides, another initiative could be promoting health gaming habits such as taking breaks, maintaining a balance between gaming and other life activities. Also creating education and awareness around problem gaming and how healthy gaming habits reduce the risk of problem gaming. Moreover, I could mention providing support and resources for those showing signs and symptoms of problem gaming, and partnering with organizations, such as the International Gambling Counselor Certification Board, to have conversations, consultation, and support in their initiatives for improving and increasing responsible gaming.