Player account-based gambling: potentials for behaviour-based research methodologies

Abstract

The emergence of player account-based gambling is a result of escalating technological sophistication and the incorporation of these developments into gambling. This term refers to gambling from a centralized account that is linked to an identified individual. Player account-based gambling is increasingly being utilized for multiple forms of Internet, mobile and land-based gambling through player cards and user-names. Player accounts track and store a wealth of data on gambling behaviour and related activities. Gambling research has been justifiably criticized for its reliance on self-report rather than behavioural measures. Research analysing player account data may advance conceptual models, identify behavioural risk factors for problem gambling and evaluate and guide effective policy and responsible gambling programmes. Although research utilizing player account data has unique limitations, it offers considerable benefits for researchers, operators and regulators. Research methodology incorporating the use of player account data stands to make significant contributions to the gambling field.

Recommendations for International Gambling Harm-Minimisation Guidelines: Comparison with Effective Public Health Policy

“…Agreements between gambling operators and domestic and international jurisdictions should be made to regulate online gambling with a system that is capable of cross-checking age verification against an existing international database. Although care must be taken to protect customer identity, data encryption programs can be used to protect sensitive details (Gainsbury, 2011). Agreements between international regulators to cross-check age and identification documents would be consistent with commonly held policies of protecting vulnerable minors.…”

Chasing losses in online poker and casino games: Characteristics and game play of Internet gamblers at risk of disordered gambling

“…Over the past few years efforts have been made to design intelligent detection systems to identify markers of risky and disordered gambling using algorithms that analyse player behaviours and interactions (Dragicevic et al, 2011;Gainsbury, 2011;Auer and Griffiths, 2012;Braverman and Shaffer, 2012;Adami et al, 2013). These systems can be used to trigger warning signs for players or notify operators to check in with players in an attempt to minimise harms and prevent gamblers developing serious problems (Gainsbury, 2011;Haefeli et al, 2011).…”

“…These systems can be used to trigger warning signs for players or notify operators to check in with players in an attempt to minimise harms and prevent gamblers developing serious problems (Gainsbury, 2011;Haefeli et al, 2011). Chasing losses is one of the few observable markers of Internet problem or disordered gambling behaviour (Gainsbury, 2011).…”

“…These systems can be used to trigger warning signs for players or notify operators to check in with players in an attempt to minimise harms and prevent gamblers developing serious problems (Gainsbury, 2011;Haefeli et al, 2011). Chasing losses is one of the few observable markers of Internet problem or disordered gambling behaviour (Gainsbury, 2011). Furthermore, chasing losses can be observed within a single session of play, meaning that this behaviour can be measured for individual gamblers without necessitating tracking a single player over time or on different gambling activities or in gambling venues.…”

Exploring the opportunities and impacts of Internet gambling

“…The importance cannot be underemphasized of the need to utilise and share precise and objective player account data with researchers to advance knowledge, taking into account of course competitive commercial sensitivities (Gainsbury, 2011). By understanding patterns of player behaviour within and across jurisdictions, regulators and governments may implement appropriate regulatory policies to best protect consumers, jurisdictional interests and the taxation revenue.…”