A new study finds stigma around gambling to be harmful

By Ginevra Alessandrello

GambleAware has launched a new campaign for Online Casinos UK to end the stigma around problem gambling and calls for people to “open up about gambling.” GambleAware is an independent charity in the UK that deals with the education, prevention, and early intervention of gambling harm at UK Online Casinos. Now, GambleAware has called for an end to the stigma surrounding problem gambling and encourages anyone who has any symptoms of problem gambling to open up, talk to a specialist or a counsellor, and get back on the road to recovery.

GambleAware research data has revealed that 64% of adults with gambling addiction do not speak to anyone about their addiction. A total of 39% admitted that it’s because of its pervasive stigma, while 76% admitted that they felt better after opening up with a trained counsellor. GambleAware intends to prove there is power in talking to someone. For those who need help with Responsible Gambling, it’s always available. GambleAware Chief Executive Zoë Osmond told media they were alarmed by how many people were struggling with gambling addiction on their own. He said that gambling harm is a hidden addiction that’s not easy to spot from the outside, so it’s essential to provide a wide range of support services so that compulsive gamblers can come forward without shame.

GambleAware is the leading British charity working to minimize problems associated with problem gaming. Donations from the industry fund the charity and operate as a confidential phone service that provides information and support. Open 24/7, anyone impacted by gambling harm can open up and have that first conversation, and it should happen as early as possible.

Problem gambling statistics in the UK

In the UK, problem gambling affects individuals, their families and the overall community. A variety of factors contribute to problem gambling, ranging from economic and social factors to how accessible gambling opportunities are. Problem gambling is measured with various tools and surveys by the NHS, which is considered a reliable source for problem gambling. According to 2022 data from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), provided by the Health Survey for England 2020, it’s estimated that 0.5% of the UK adult population can be considered problem gamblers.

Statistics released by the UKGC in June 2021 on problem gambling has revealed the following:

In a telephone survey conducted by Yonder Consulting, a company that blends research, strategy and imagination, 4010 adults aged 16 and over were interviewed on the phone in September 2020, December 2020, and March 2021. The results revealed that in June 2021, participation in gambling activity in the UK over the past four weeks fell to 42%, a 3.5% point decline compared to June 2020. The overall gambling participation increased by three percentage points to 25%, while in-person participation is down 8 percentage points to 24%. The general problem gambling rate is stable at 0.4%, and moderate risk has decreased by 0.7% compared to 1.4% in the year to June 2020.

More recent figures from the UKGC’s statistics on problem gambling, provided by Yonder Consulting, showed a similar picture. Telephone interviews were conducted with 4002 participants between June 2022 and March 2023. Overall participation in any gambling activity remained at 44% compared to last year, and the overall problem gambling rate is statistically stable at 0.3%. The moderate and low-risk rates stay at 1.2% and 1.8%, respectively, compared to March 2022.

In November, Safer Gambling Week was commemorated

The UK has just come out of commemorating Safer Gambling Week from the 13th to the 19th of November. From this event, the Young Gamers and Gamblers Education Trust (YGAM) and Betknowmore UK have joined forces to launch Safer Gambling training. Organized by trade bodies of the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), Bacta, and the Bingo Association, Safer Gambling Week sees the gambling industry coming together to promote safer online gambling by highlighting Responsible Gambling tools available to stay in control. Safer Gambling Week is now in its seventh year.

Responsible Gambling Tools at Online Casinos and Sportsbooks

Some of the tools offered at online casinos and sportsbooks include setting limits on how long you play or how much you spend. For UK players who find they are spending more than their budget allows or find that gambling has taken over their lives, self-exclusion is also available. At UK casinos, responsible gambling initiatives embrace technology to enhance player protection. Online gambling platforms have implemented features like reality checks, time and spending limits, and helpful pop-up reminders to warn players of how long they have been gambling. Responsible gambling tools encourage players to take regular breaks and prevent excessive gambling.

Safer Gambling Week Employee Training

One of the initiatives of Safer Gambling Week is training the staff at online casinos and sportsbooks to identify problematic gambling patterns. By analyzing player behaviour patterns, operators can reach out to at-risk players and offer support and assistance. Safer Gambling Week also provides gambling employees with specialist training to safeguard players from gambling harm and strengthen protection standards. A world-class training programme that combines expert knowledge, and research, this endeavour meets the latest Gambling Commission Licence Conditions needs.

The safer gambling training was awarded the City and Guilds Assured status. Six online training programmes include how to understand customer vulnerability in a gambling environment and gambling-related harms. The course also teaches enhanced skills for customer interaction and the awareness of gambling support services.

Top Online Casinos UK Conclusion

Online gambling is highly regulated in the UK. Before a casino can get a license from the UK Gambling Commission, they must meet many requirements, including providing tools and resources for responsible online gambling. An approach directed towards gambling at the best online casino UK sites to ensure gambling is conducted safely for everyone involved. Responsible gambling provides a safe, fair, and enjoyable online gambling session, with the object being responsible gambling behaviour that doesn’t cause any harm to yourself and others.

Reforms in the UK Gambling Act include financial risk checks, restrictions on advertisements, raising the age limit for offline and online gambling, responsible advertisements and marketing campaigns and more Responsible Gambling endeavours. These changes will impact which adverts are displayed, how payments are made and how age verification occurs online. The UKGC’s main objective is to make sure gambling is conducted fairly and openly and does not cause harm to the public.

The main points for the UKGC Safer Gambling Week can be summarised as follows:

• Take Action – Set your limits – Self-exclude from gambling
• Get Involved in Safer Gambling Week 2023
• Access resources for parents, carers, schools & universities
• Use Responsible Gambling tools and resources

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The NZ Gambling Discussion Submissions: Shedding Light on implications for gamblers

By Daniela Rose

The future of online casinos has been the subject of extensive discussion, with participants sharing diverse perspectives on key issues. This article explores the major themes and proposals raised in the New Zealand Gambling Discussion submissions, shedding light on potential implications for local gamblers.

Exploring Ideas, Interests, and Concerns

In a comprehensive evaluation of online gambling in New Zealand, the majority of respondents advocated for consistent regulation across online and land-based gambling. Self-exclusion emerged as a popular harm-reduction strategy, although some voiced reservations about its efficacy, particularly for those grappling with problem gambling behaviours. Additional measures, such as credit card and public WIFI limits, internet censorship, and proactive education, were championed to enhance understanding of the risks associated with online gambling.

Various technical and policy issues were brought to the fore including restricting access to unregulated sites and addressing the convergence of video games and gambling. Many contributors stressed the need for gaming regulators to mandate warnings on games featuring gambling-like elements to empower consumers to make informed responsible gambling choices.

Challenges and Perspectives on Harm Reduction in Online Gambling

The most popular harm-reduction method was self-exclusion. However, some respondents felt it was insufficient or unhelpful, particularly for those with problem gambling habits. The vast majority of respondents supported credit card and public WIFI limits and internet censorship. While these steps may reduce harm, those who responded said they could easily be bypassed using alternative payment methods, phone data, and VPNs.

Many submitters who supported and commented on reducing harm from online gambling stated that: 

• Proactive education was an essential way of helping Kiwis understand the risks associated with online gambling
• The gambling industry needed to accept responsibility for the harm caused by their products

Participants also had significantly divergent thoughts about who may be successful operators in a regulated online gaming system. While Lotto NZ and the TAB were strongly opposed to expanding their current product offerings, other submitters said that if New Zealand does not have a regulated online gaming company, players will continue to use existing unregulated sites. These facilities may need proper damage mitigation procedures and generate tax income for New Zealand or repay revenues to the community.

Several technical and policy issues were presented. This included the challenge of, if required, restricting access to unregulated sites. The capacity for users to self-exclude from unauthorised operators and products was deemed vital by the majority of submitters who provided feedback on ways that may be used to prohibit access to unlawful websites. With minimum deposit casinos, however, these submitters prioritised user autonomy and freedom of choice.

Divergent Views on Gambling Expansion in New Zealand

Debates centred on whether New Zealand should allow a variety of gambling products. Lotto NZ and TAB faced opposition to expanding their offerings, fearing increased harm. Meanwhile, proponents argued that players would resort to unregulated sites without regulated options, potentially lacking proper safeguards. Technical and policy issues were also discussed, including the convergence of video games and gambling.

Consistent Regulation Between Online and Land-Based Gambling

Submitters overwhelmingly advocated for consistent regulation between online casinos and traditional land-based gambling, positioning harm minimisation as the top priority. Proposed harm-reduction measures include setting deposit, wager, and loss limits, implementing time-out features, and providing easy access to play information. However, the specifics, such as operator discretion on spending limits and aligning online and land-based Class 4 gambling machines, triggered debates.

Online Gambling Operators and Products

Options for the future of online gambling operators and products were presented:

Option 1: Lotto NZ and the TAB continue to offer existing gambling products

The majority favoured maintaining the status quo, asserting that expanding options could increase problem gambling. Concerns were voiced about potential negative impacts on funds returned to local communities.

Option 2: Extend Lotto NZ and the TABs online product offering

Supporters argued for expansion, believing it would maximise revenue staying within New Zealand. However, opposition from some quarters stressed the potential harm and normalisation of online gambling.

Option 3: License domestic operators

A study on the feasibility of licensing domestic operators gained traction, with supporters emphasising reduced operational costs and increased charity funds. Concerns were raised about potential gambling problems and reduced contributions to charitable causes.

Option 4: License domestic and overseas operators

Widespread support existed for licensing domestic and overseas operators, aligning with directing consumers to regulated platforms. Specific licensing requirements, such as profit return to communities, adherence to codes of practice, and server locations, were highlighted.

Tools for Restricting Access to Unauthorised Online Gambling

Participants were queried about their endorsement of any options as a means of limiting access to unauthorised online gambling. A total of 187 submitters indicated their preferences or opposition to the options in this section. Among the four options presented, self-exclusion by gamblers emerged as the most favoured tool for restricting access to online gambling.

Self-exclusion

Respondents were asked about their support for self-exclusion as a tool to restrict access to unauthorised online gambling. The feedback indicated robust endorsement for allowing gamblers to voluntarily exclude themselves from using unauthorised online gambling websites.

Those who commented in favour of self-exclusion viewed it as a valuable and vital measure for limiting access to unauthorised online gambling, citing its potential to mitigate harm associated with online gambling. Despite the support, some contributors acknowledged the limitations of this tool. A few expressed concerns about the possibility of gamblers changing their minds after self-excluding and returning to online gambling.

Restrict credit card use

Participants were surveyed on their stance regarding the restriction of credit card use on gambling sites, either through blocking or banning their use on unauthorised websites. This option garnered the highest number of submissions compared to the other three options in this section.

Several supporters of this option believed that consumers should not be able to gamble on credit. However, some opponents of this option argued that while desirable, restricting credit card use would not be effective, as alternative payment methods could be used instead.

Restrict the use of free public WIFI

Respondents were queried about their stance on restricting the use of free public WIFI to access online gambling websites. This option garnered the least submissions compared to the other three options in this section.

Many contributors expressing their views on this option supported the idea of restricting free public WIFI to prevent gambling on unauthorised websites. However, certain supporters of this option acknowledged its potential limitations. They expressed doubts about its effectiveness, citing difficulties in mandating and monitoring restrictions on free public WIFI. Many contributors opposed restricting free public WIFI, deeming it impractical to limit people’s access to the Internet.

Prohibit Kiwis from accessing unauthorised online gambling

Respondents were inquired about their stance on prohibiting those residing in or visiting New Zealand from accessing unauthorised online gambling websites, whether overseas or onshore. This option received strong support, with 122 out of 167 submitters expressing their endorsement for prohibiting New Zealanders from visiting unauthorised online gambling websites.

However, some submitters opposed this option, deeming prohibition too restrictive. Instead of outright prohibition, one submitter suggested discouraging the use of unauthorised online websites, while another proposed making it mandatory to warn individuals when accessing an unauthorised gambling website.

Geo-blocking unauthorised websites

Many contributors endorsing this option believed geo-blocking to be an effective tool, with some asserting that it could deter and dissuade Kiwis from using unauthorised websites.

While less than half of the supporting submitters acknowledged the potential ineffectiveness of geo-blocking due to the prevalence of VPNs, some argued that individuals with gambling problems lacking VPN access would be restricted from unauthorised gambling.

Opponents of geo-blocking argued that VPNs rendered it ineffective, characterising it as a draconian tactic impinges on individuals’ autonomy, freedom of choice, and internet access rights.

Rules and Expectations for New Zealand-Based Gambling Operators

Respondents were asked about their stance on whether New Zealand-based gambling operators should be subject to different rules, expectations, and requirements than overseas gambling operators.

Many supporters of this option argued that New Zealand-based operators should indeed be subject to distinct rules, expectations, and requirements due to their obligation to comply with New Zealand law. Some contributors emphasised that New Zealand’s perspective on regulating online gambling differs from that of other countries.

However, many opponents of this option advocated for a ‘level playing field’ between domestic and overseas operators. They argued that such parity would ensure fairness, requiring both types of operators to adhere to the exact harm minimisation and return to community requirements.

Convergence Between Video Gaming and Gambling

Concerns were raised about the convergence of video games and gambling, particularly the normalisation of gambling-like behaviour among young people. Recommendations included influencing game developers, mandating warnings on games with gambling-like elements, or outright banning such games.

Influence online video game developers

Respondents were queried about whether gambling regulators should have an impact on online video game developers to exclude gambling-like elements in future video games.

Five supporters of influencing game developers elucidated the rationale behind their choice. Three submitters believed influencing game developers would be more effective than banning video games with gambling elements.

Another submitter expressed the hope that the government’s influence would not only exclude gambling-like elements but also foster developers’ understanding of the potential harm these elements could inflict on young children.

On the opposing side, two submitters rejected the idea of influencing game developers, asserting that it would not be successful. One submitter argued that developers would only be swayed if other countries adopted a similar stance.

Warnings on online video games

Respondents were asked whether gambling regulators should mandate warnings on online video games featuring gambling-like elements. Among the three options provided, requiring warnings garnered the highest level of support.

Many supporters of this option believed that placing warnings on video games would raise awareness about gambling elements, enabling parents, children, and young people to make informed choices about playing or avoiding such games. They contended that warnings would inform players of the potential risks of playing video games featuring gambling-like elements.

While only one submitter opposed placing warnings on video games, they argued that warnings alone would not dissuade addicted players. Instead, this submitter suggested that players should be required to undergo a short training module before playing video games with gambling-like elements.

Ban video games that demonstrate gambling characteristics

Supporters of this option argued that regulators should ban video games with gambling-like elements. They expressed concerns about the vulnerability of young people to these games and emphasised the need for protection. One submitter acknowledged the existence of people with addiction and stressed the importance of legislation ensuring that sites offering these games were not accessible to children and youth.

Opponents of the option believed that video games should not be banned, advocating for individual autonomy in deciding whether to play games with gambling-like elements. They suggested that education and persuasion would be more effective in discouraging people from engaging in such games. Some submitters expressed concerns about the potential unintended consequences of a ban, such as consumers being driven to the dark web. They preferred influencing or warning players about gambling-like elements.

Class 3 Operators

Respondents were asked whether Class 3 operators, currently licensed for large-scale lotteries, should be permitted to conduct their lotteries online or via telephone.

Most of those addressing this question focused solely on Class 3 operators, totalling 1946 Coastguard supporters, 685 Heart Foundation supporters, and 96 backers of Class 3 operators. The remaining 170 submitters, both in support or opposition, addressed various questions in the discussion document.

Several submitters favoured the option as it would reduce organisational costs, citing the significant expenses associated with printing and postage. They believed online lotteries would benefit the environment by lowering printing needs and streamlining the donation process. Online platforms were seen as convenient, offering secure online payment options and eliminating the need for mailing cheques.

Opponents of Class 3 operators running online lotteries expressed concerns about the proliferation of gambling options. They believed that online operations added to the existing array of gambling opportunities, emphasising the need for limitations in some form.

Other Key Themes Raised by Submitters

Several additional themes emerged from submitters:

• Class 4 Operators: Calls to lift limits on Class 4 operators, concerns about their financial ability, and links to problem gambling.
• Identification: Strong identification requirements for online gamblers, with suggestions like RealMe or photo identification.
• Sales Promotions: Suggestions to amend the Gambling Act to allow sales promotions through remote interactive devices.
• Community Consultation Meetings: Feedback on harm minimisation, the relevance of the three pillars, the importance of licensing, concerns about enforcement, disruptive methods, and the need for education.

Conclusion: Future of Online Gambling in New Zealand

As New Zealand stands at the crossroads of online gambling regulation, the myriad perspectives and recommendations from the discussion document and community consultation meetings provide a rich tapestry of insights.

Navigating the future entails balancing harm minimisation, regulatory consistency, and the evolving dynamics of technology and gaming. This requires careful consideration of licensing frameworks, identification measures, taxation strategies, and the intricate interplay between gaming and gambling.

Ultimately, the path forward hinges on collaborative efforts to ensure a thriving, responsible, and well-regulated online gambling environment in New Zealand.