Responsible Gambling: General Principles and Minimal Requirements

Abstract

Many international jurisdictions have introduced responsible gambling programs. These programs intend to minimize negative consequences of excessive gambling, but vary considerably in their aims, focus, and content. Many responsible gambling programs lack a conceptual framework and, in the absence of empirical data, their components are based only on general considerations and impressions. This paper outlines the consensus viewpoint of an international group of researchers suggesting fundamental responsible gambling principles, roles of key stakeholders, and minimal requirements that stakeholders can use to frame and inform responsible gambling programs across jurisdictions. Such a framework does not purport to offer value statements regarding the legal status of gambling or its expansion. Rather, it proposes gambling-related initiatives aimed at government, industry, and individuals to promote responsible gambling and consumer protection. This paper argues that there is a set of basic principles and minimal requirements that should form the basis for every responsible gambling program.

Principles for Developing Benchmark Criteria for Staff Training in Responsible Gambling

“…In the criteria for the framework conditions, 'cooperation and coordinating with the person in charge of the company' was rated very high (over 90 %). Blaszczynski et al (2011) asserted that gambling operators should actively work to support efforts that lead to the identification of effective program interventions. They furthermore postulated that the gaming operators should monitor compliance with these program elements.…”

“…Theoretical and practical issues of RG have been addressed in a number of academic publications (Blaszczynski et al 2011;Blaszczynski et al 2004;Griffiths 2012;Wood et al 2014a). Blaszczynski et al (2011) described the general principles and minimal requirements of RG. They also stated that staff training for gaming operator staff members is one of the minimal essential components for RG programs.…”

Identifying risk and mitigating gambling-related harm in online poker

“…Consequently, this understanding may reduce self--rumination and negative mood states that precipitate problem poker gambling. Blaszczynski, Collins, Fong, et al (2011) noted that -just like the conceptualisation of problem gambling -there is significant confusion regarding what constitutes responsible gambling. They argue that, as a minimum requirement, responsible gambling programs will seek to reduce and minimise attitudes, perspectives and behaviours that are related to, or precipitate gambling--related harm and problem gambling.…”

“…Responsible gambling strategies can vary in breadth from individually--based interventions to more substantial and general public health approaches (Dickson--Gillespie et al, 2008). In the absence of a robust definition of responsible gambling strategy, Blaszczynski et al (2011) contend that three approaches must underpin any strategy: (i) educating the customers and potential customers about risks involved, (ii) encouraging gambling within limits that mitigate harm, and (iii) facilitating informed choice regarding gambling. Being more prescriptive, arguably the primary aim of responsible gambling is to ensure players (including online poker players) gamble within monetary and time limits that are appropriate to their individual contexts (Blaszczynski, Gainsbury & Karlov, 2014).…”

“…In short, the majority of online poker employees can only respond reactively to customers who self--identify and make the first step of raising an issue with customer services. Nevertheless, online poker customer service employees retain a crucial responsible gambling role here, and must be effective in adequately signposting vulnerable customers to appropriate services that are available (Blaszczynski et al, 2011). This is more challenging than one may immediately assume given that customer service employees are often dealing with a multicultural and multinational customer base, and therefore a uniform and standardised response to a customer self--identifying as a problem gamblers is not feasible.…”