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- Mar 31, 2005
A recent report commissioned by GambleAware has shed light on which forms of gambling pose the highest risks of harm, sparking calls for stricter regulatory measures.
The gambling harm prevention charity partnered with Bournemouth University to conduct comprehensive research into the relative risks associated with various gambling activities, including land-based electronic gaming machines, online casino games, loot boxes, and the National Lottery draw.
Zoë Osmond, CEO of GambleAware, emphasised the potential dangers, stating:
The data showed that usage of electronic gaming machines was the strongest predictor of future gambling harm. Specifically, individuals using land-based electronic gaming machines were found to be over 10 times more likely than the average gambler to experience "problem gambling." Meanwhile, those engaging with online casino games were four times more likely than average to face harm.
Osmond raised concerns about the potential impact of current policy proposals, noting:
The findings also highlighted risks associated with loot boxes, a feature often present in video games targeted at children. These mechanisms, which blend elements of gaming and gambling, were found to increase the likelihood of gambling harm significantly.
According to the study, 50% of people who use loot boxes are at some level of risk, with many exhibiting behaviors associated with problem gambling due to the immersive and accessible nature of loot boxes.
The report recommended that the National Lottery actively direct players to support services, such as those offered by GambleAware, to mitigate the risks for players struggling with gambling harm.
Dr. Wang explained:
The report underscores the pressing need for policymakers and industry stakeholders to implement stricter measures to mitigate gambling harms and ensure vulnerable individuals are better protected.
The gambling harm prevention charity partnered with Bournemouth University to conduct comprehensive research into the relative risks associated with various gambling activities, including land-based electronic gaming machines, online casino games, loot boxes, and the National Lottery draw.
Zoë Osmond, CEO of GambleAware, emphasised the potential dangers, stating:
No form of gambling is completely without risk. However, this new research shows that there are some particular types of gambling which can lead to an increased chance of experiencing gambling harm, which can have a corrosive effect on people’s lives, finances, careers, and relationships.
Key Findings Highlight High-Risk Activities
The study revealed that land-based electronic gaming machines, found in bookmakers and casinos, alongside online casino games, posed the highest levels of risk. These gambling activities, characterised by rapid play and the potential for immediate rewards, were identified as significant contributors to gambling harm.The data showed that usage of electronic gaming machines was the strongest predictor of future gambling harm. Specifically, individuals using land-based electronic gaming machines were found to be over 10 times more likely than the average gambler to experience "problem gambling." Meanwhile, those engaging with online casino games were four times more likely than average to face harm.
Osmond raised concerns about the potential impact of current policy proposals, noting:
The research also brings into question some of the measures outlined in the Gambling White Paper, such as relaxations in land-based gambling, which could lead to an increase in electronic gaming machines in venues, and having different online slot stake limits for those aged over 25. We believe people over 25 should have the same lower limits as those who are younger.
The report suggests the measures do not go far enough to protect people. This is why we are calling for the recommendations in this report to be adopted as they will help ensure that people can be better protected.
Recommendations for Enhanced Safeguards
The report called for tighter restrictions on the availability and design of electronic gaming machines, as well as on online casino games, to prioritize responsible design. Additionally, the charity urged gambling operators to enhance systems that provide personalised support for online customers displaying risk indicators.The findings also highlighted risks associated with loot boxes, a feature often present in video games targeted at children. These mechanisms, which blend elements of gaming and gambling, were found to increase the likelihood of gambling harm significantly.
According to the study, 50% of people who use loot boxes are at some level of risk, with many exhibiting behaviors associated with problem gambling due to the immersive and accessible nature of loot boxes.
National Lottery Concerns
The National Lottery also emerged as a concern. The study estimated that 600,000 individuals experiencing problem gambling participated in the National Lottery draw, while 500,000 engaged with scratch cards.The report recommended that the National Lottery actively direct players to support services, such as those offered by GambleAware, to mitigate the risks for players struggling with gambling harm.
Expert Analysis and Call for Stricter Regulation
Dr. Ruijie Wang from Bournemouth University, who led the research, outlined the broader implications of the findings. The study was conducted within the context of the UK government’s proposed changes to gambling regulations as outlined in the Gambling White Paper.Dr. Wang explained:
The results highlight the need for more stringent gambling regulation, particularly in online slots and land-based electronic gaming machines due to their high risk of harm to young adults. More regulation is also needed to limit gambling-like practices in video gaming, such as loot boxes, to individuals aged over 18 years, as the interaction between video gaming and gambling should not be ignored.
The report underscores the pressing need for policymakers and industry stakeholders to implement stricter measures to mitigate gambling harms and ensure vulnerable individuals are better protected.