Share
With the expansion of online gambling across the US and worldwide, the identification of problem gambling as a public health issue has intensified as well.
Many studies have shown that some forms of gambling are more closely linked to problems than others.
One such study by Gamble Aware shows that games with an element of luck are harder for players to keep track of. In other words, people who play these games are more likely to lose control or experience gambling-related harm. But there’s more to that.
PlayUSA talked to several experts in the gambling industry about their responsible gambling (RG) initiatives, and they all expressed that online gambling is associated with higher rates of addiction and gambling problems.
That’s why all of them agree that education, as well as access to digital resources and treatment services, is key to helping players understand the risks of problem gambling and better protect themselves.
September is Responsible Gaming Education Month, which highlights the significant role responsible gaming organizations, with their research and programs, play in all forms of gaming.
Keith Whyte, National Council on Problem Gambling breach the surface
Keith S. Whyte, executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), says any type of gambling can become problematic.
However, specific structural characteristics are associated with higher degrees of harm. Whyte says: “Each form of gambling has a set of structural characteristics.
Things like bet size and speed of play. High bet size and high speed of play are both associated with risk for gambling problems.
The method of playing the game is another characteristic that impacts problems. In general, gambling online is associated with higher rates of gambling problems.
None of these characteristics are specific to a particular game. So, each type of gambling can be made to be more or less risky depending on its characteristics.”
Responsible gambling advocates worry about new forms of online gaming
Birches Health is a behavioral healthcare company specializing in preventing and treating problem gambling. Its program focuses on helping individuals understand potential harmful behaviors encountered through a variety of gambling forms.
Birches Health founder Elliott Rapaport told PlayUSA:
“We have seen a recent rise in the number of online sports bettors who have actively explored and now entered treatment. But sports betting is not the only relatively new form of online gaming that brings gambling options to consumers’ fingertips — from the comfort of home — like never before.
“We have seen an emergence of iCasino and iLottery products that may also be dangerously addictive, potentially even more so than online sports betting. Increased accessibility to these modern forms of gambling must come hand in hand with increased ease of access to digital resources and treatment options.”
Younger population gambles at higher rates, research shows
As online casino play and online sports betting are relatively new forms of gambling, it is too early to tell if placing legal online casino and sports bets is leading to higher gambling prevalence and gambling-related harms.
What is evident, however, is that emerging adults (18-24), even within the legal gambling age in some states, wager at higher rates.
Dr. Michelle L. Malkin, an assistant professor at the East Carolina University Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology and a director of the Gambling Research & Policy Initiative (GRPI), told PlayUSA:
“Based on my research and the research I see from others at gambling related conferences, research indicates that emerging adults 18-24 are engaging in gambling at higher rates currently than in the past.
They are gambling online in terms of iGaming and sports wagering, as well as within esports and gaming. Additionally, lottery is the most gambled form among almost any age group.
Furthermore, research is looking into whether the new legalization of sports wagering (and iGaming) is leading to higher gambling prevalence and gambling-related harms.
Due to most states just recently legalizing these forms, it will take some time to see the impact it has, however, calls to problem gambling hotlines have increased substantially.”
What US gambling operators can do on their end
Gambling operators, regulators, and other stakeholders have a big responsibility to monitor players’ gambling behavior and inform them on how and where to find help.
As Whyte emphasized:
“An important part of responsible gambling is to research and identify risk factors in the design of games and develop methods to reduce risks while maintaining player enjoyment.
And, of course, to educate players to better protect themselves.”
Rapaport added: “At a high level, potential problem gambling behaviors must be monitored carefully and care accessibility supported by operators, state governments, and all other members of the gaming ecosystem.”
One of the latest initiatives involving RG organizations and US gambling operators was the creation of the National College Education Campaign. Earlier this month, the following organizations joined to develop and implement this comprehensive program:
- Responsible Gambling Association (ROGA)
- EPIC Global Solutions
- Kindbridge Behavioral Health
- Responsible Gambling Council (RGC)
ROGA, which was founded by eight of the largest US online gambling operators, conducted a research study in partnership with the RGC to help college students set realistic expectations about gambling.
ROGA’s executive director, Dr. Jennifer Shatley, told PlayUSA they are mainly concerned about the continued pervasiveness of the illegal, unregulated gambling sites that provide the most risk for players. That’s why Shatley thinks RG programs play an important role across all forms of gaming:
“Online platforms do offer certain advantages for responsible gaming programs, such as readily accessible tools for players to set personal limits – both in terms of time and money – directly onto their account. Online gaming sites also allow for the seamless integration of responsible gaming efforts into the customer experience.
“ROGA’s inaugural research initiative involves a comprehensive survey of players to evaluate their awareness, engagement, and perception of RG limit-setting tools.
This research will provide crucial insights into which tools are most effective, who uses them, and what barriers exist to their utilization from a player perspective.”
Shatley continues: “Findings from this project will provide a foundation for testing innovative ways to increase engagement with these tools to further empower players to manage their play.”
Why some gambling forms are riskier than others
All forms of online gambling are accessible to use because they are only a few clicks away from a bank account or credit card. Online gambling allows players to bet anonymously and without any shame when placing bets.
Being available 24/7 online gambling is also riskier than betting at land-based casinos. It is easy and convenient and can quickly become a problem.
- Online casinos
As mentioned above, some of the most addictive forms of online gambling are online casino games. Online casino games tend to be engaging due to their high-quality graphics, enticing sound effects, and interactive features.
Online casinos have risks and rewards, which come at unpredictable intervals. Players never know when they will score a winning combination, which can lead to long-lasting playing sessions that will eventually increase their spending.
Random rewards (usually occurring while spinning the reels of online slots) keep users engaged longer, making them chase the next win. Likewise, when playing games like online poker or blackjack, where skill plays a role, players may get the illusion they have control while chance influences the outcome.
- Online sports betting
Being legal in 38 US states, online sports betting has become a major concern. Bets on sports games are usually smaller and might seem far more affordable and less dangerous than gambling at a retail casino.
However, online sports betting amounts can accumulate, leading to addiction and chasing losses.
- iLottery
iLottery stands for internet instant games and other virtual or paperless tickets sold by a Party Lottery. As the game is based on luck, there is no way to predict the outcome of it.
The excitement, challenge, and possibility of winning money usually motivate players to engage in this form of gambling.
Taking precautionary measures to help reduce risks
Since not every jurisdiction has laws or regulations about self-exclusion, and most illegal or offshore operators usually don’t honor such requests, PlayUSA highly recommends that if people gamble online, they should only choose legal US online casino operators.
Tools that allow players to set limits on the amount of money they deposit, spend and lose are helpful.
Gambling advocates also advise disabling gambling ads on Reddit, Meta and YouTube.
If you have a gambling problem, it is essential to seek help from an experienced therapist or peer-support group. Share your experience on how and why you gamble, and try taking the steps to reduce risk and harm.
You may contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER, reach the support team by texting 800GAM or chatting online at 1800gamblerchat.org.
