A Science-Based Framework for Responsible Gambling: The Reno Model

Abstract

As social observers increasingly identify gambling-related problems as a public health issue, key stakeholders need to join together to reduce both the incidence and prevalence of gambling-related harm in the community. This position paper describes a strategic framework that sets out principles to guide industry operators, health service and other welfare providers, interested community groups, consumers and governments and their related agencies in the adoption and implementation of responsible gambling and harm minimization initiatives.

Principles for Developing Benchmark Criteria for Staff Training in Responsible Gambling

“…Awareness-based elements have been integrated into cognitive-behavioural treatment over the last two decades. Blaszczynski et al (2004) pointed out that increasing awareness about pathological gambling is important but insufficient to change the behaviour. Furthermore, the criterion 'competencies in intervention and taking care of problem gamblers' was rated very important.…”

“…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 used benchmarking to examine the extent to which the Queensland Responsible Gambling Code of Practise has been implemented. However, to date, the majority of RG staff training programs have not been tested empirically (Blaszczynski et al 2004;Wood et al 2014a). Ladouceur et al (2004) described and evaluated an awareness training program (entitled 'As luck would have it') completed by video lottery retailers in Quebec Province (Canada) and found that the program was successful in improving retailers' understanding of problem gambling and its symptoms.…”

Policy and Prevention Approaches for Disordered and Hazardous Gaming and Internet Use: an International Perspective

“…They noted that Western jurisdictions have not yet introduced this type of legislation and recommended caution in considering any such proposal. Additionally, the authors cited the need for greater industry responsibility, particularly that the Internet gaming industry should recognize its "power over gamers" (p. 56) and assume some of the responsibility for player welfare, as in the case of the gambling industry in some regions (Blaszczynski, Ladouceur, & Shaffer, 2004). It has been proposed that the industry should at least inform consumers of known risks and provide customer care and referral services (Van Rooij et al, 2010).…”

Nuevos Retos en el Tratamiento del Juego Patológico

“…Por lo que se refiere al primer punto, es imprescindible detallar lo que se entiende exactamente por juego controlado en relación con los siguientes parámetros: a) pautas de juego (límites de tiempo invertido y de dinero en relación con la disponibilidad económica para el ocio; días de juego en relación con los días sin juego); b) relación social (juego solitario o juego en compañía); c) motivación (jugar para divertirse, intentar ganar un dinero extra e interactuar con amigos o, por el contrario, jugar para evadirse de un estado de ánimo negativo, solucionar problemas económicos o hacer frente a deudas); d) interferencia en la vida cotidiana (inexistente o significativa); e) control sobre el juego (capacidad para ponerle freno cuando es oportuno o, por el contrario, gastar más dinero de lo planeado, ser incapaz de parar de jugar o apostar para recuperar lo perdido); y f) pensamientos sobre el juego (realistas y limitados al momento de jugar o distorsionados y omnipresentes incluso cuando el sujeto se ocupa de sus obligaciones cotidianas) (Blaszcczynski, Ladouceur y Shaffer, 2004). en cuanto al tipo de pacientes indicados, no se ha conseguido establecer de forma operativa quiénes pueden beneficiarse específicamente de los programas de juego controlado.…”