Safer by design: Building a collaborative, integrated and evidence-based framework to inform the regulation and mitigation of gambling product risk

Abstract

Evidence suggests that harms may result from gambling participation as a result of a complex interaction between individual differences among consumers, environmental factors, and the characteristics of the gambling product. The latter of these factors, broadly referred to in this paper as product risk, has received increased policy attention in recent years. Product-focussed approaches to harm reduction, however, are under-developed relative to other forms of player protection and likely reflects the limitations of existing evidence and relative complexity of the topic. In this position paper, we define and explain the concept of product risk and consider what is currently known regarding the link between gambling products and harm. The paper describes the present barriers to develop effective product risk regulation and harm mitigation strategies. These include the competing interests of stakeholders, limited collaboration and information sharing, clear roles, responsibilities and leadership and a lack of integrated evidence-informed approaches. In response to these challenges, we propose adopting a framework comprised of a series of principles to progress this contested area of policy. The framework encourages better collaboration and communication between stakeholders; the accelerated production of valid and reliable evidence; a strategic alignment of stakeholder activity; and, more effective and efficient approaches to assessing and mitigating product risk.

A Ruse by Any Other Name: Comparing Loot Boxes and Collectible Card Games Using Magic Arena

“…As these factors are specifically engendered by the digital environment, and thus are not an issue in relation to physical pack consumption, it highlights arguments as to why regulators do not view physical booster packs as having the addictive potential of digital loot boxes. This interpretation is consistent with research from the field of gambling studies which has found that digital versions of scratch-cards and instant-win lotteries are more problematic than their physical counterparts [29]. Indeed, online environments afford increased ease of access to digital products and services than to physical ones, greater event frequency, and the rapid reinvestment of any <winnings=, thereby giving rise to increased potential for problematic consumption behaviors to develop [40,131].…”

Identifying Risks and Ethical Considerations of AI in Gambling: A Scoping Review

“…Allsopp (2021) opines that algorithms are used to correct individuals' behaviours so that they selfregulate and are shaped into a productive population of "responsible gamblers". The debate over the best approach to responsible gambling -i.e., individual responsibility vs. public health -remains a contested debate amongst stakeholders (Delfabbro et al, 2021), and the role of AI warrants inclusion in these discussions.…”