Rating the Suitability of Responsible Gambling Features for Specific Game Types: A Resource for Optimizing Responsible Gambling Strategy

Abstract

A Delphi based study, rated the perceived effectiveness of 45 responsible gambling (RG) features in relation to 20 distinct gambling type games. Participants were 61 raters from seven countries, including responsible gambling experts (n = 22), treatment providers (n = 19) and recovered problem gamblers (n = 20). The most highly recommended RG features could be divided into three groups 1) Player initiated tools focused on aiding player's behaviour 2) RG features related to informed--player-choice 3) RG features focused on gaming company actions. Overall, player control over personal limits were favoured more than gaming company controlled limits, although mandatory use of such features was often recommended. The study found that recommended RG features varied considerably between game types, according to their structural characteristics. Also, online games had the possibility to provide many more RG features than traditional (offline games).The findings draw together knowledge about the effectiveness of RG features for specific game types. This should aid objective, cost-effective, evidence based decisions on which RG features to include in an RG strategy, according to a specific portfolio of games. The findings of this study will available via a web-based tool, known as the Responsible Gambling Knowledge Centre (RGKC).

Principles for Developing Benchmark Criteria for Staff Training in Responsible Gambling

“…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.…”

Identifying risk and mitigating gambling-related harm in online poker

“…Furthermore, it has been repeatedly identified that it is erroneous to consider all online gambling activities as being remotely homogenous, given the observed variation in not only the game structure but in the types of individuals that play specific games Laakusuo et al, 2014;Wood et al, 2014). At present, policy decisions surrounding online gambling - particularly in relation to problem gambling (and including problematic online poker players) - are often made by conceptualising online gambling as a single entity.…”

“…Several researchers have identified that one of the most significant problems limiting the ability to implement effective responsible gambling features, is that there is an erroneous perception of 8 homogeneity across gambling activities rather than an attempt to consider the effectiveness of a combination of features in relation to a specific gambling activity, for example online poker (Gainsbury, Parke & Suhonen, 2013;Laakuso et al, 2014;Wood, Shorter & Griffiths, 2014).…”

“…Blaszczynski et al (2005) argued that without informed player choice (IPC), responsible gambling is not feasible and that determining what information must be presented to individuals to make informed gambling choices must be based upon scientific research rather than common sense evaluations. Furthermore, for IPC to be executed, the starting point must be acceptance and a willingness of customers taking personal responsibility for their gambling behaviour Blaszczynski et al, 2005;Wood et al, 2014). Auer and Griffiths (2013) noted that for responsible gambling features to be used and valued by customers, there is a requirement for self--awareness with regard to their gambling behaviour.…”