My Thoughts
Thanks BB for starting this thread. This is a subject that I personally care alot about.
I wish that more casinos would act in the way that 3Dice does, and take a more proactive role in assisting problem gamblers. As it stands now, until a player actually requests self-exclusion, and actually uses the words addict or gambling problem, very little gets done. It's that fine line between ethics and business.
While I don't believe that casinos should have the responsibility of monitoring each and every player's playing patterns, I do believe that there are certain exceptional cases where more could be done. If a casino or its employees, manager, whatever, are aware that a player is severely overspending, or that gambling is seriously impacting their life in some way...then ETHICALLY, they should act. Of course, that's an ideal, and only happens in a perfect world. So while I'm an idealist, I'm also a realist...and know that this will never happen.
The best we can hope for is that the operators do take seriously requests for self-exclusion, and act upon them with no delay. The same with asking for deposit limits to be set. One thing I would like to see changed is this ridiculous industry standard of a player being excluded from play for six months, even once they have asked for lifetime exclusion. Many casinos follow the guidelines as set out by Gamcare, and I was floored when I discovered that it was them (Gamcare) who actually recommended this...the six month exclusion thing. That is preposterous. It's like an alcoholic going to AA, and being advised that they should quit drinking for six months, then after that they can have a few sips to see how it goes.
Lifetime should mean just that, lifetime. Anyone familiar with addiction knows that an addict is never cured, they are always "in recovery". A junkie doesn't shoot up just a couple of times a year just for fun. An alcoholic doesn't take a drink now and then just for a taste. Gambling is just as serious an addiction as any other, and just as capable of destroying lives. There is no such thing as moderation in a true addict's life. If there were, they wouldn't be an addict.
Just to touch on a couple of points made in this thread....I don't think that actual money spent can be used as an accurate gauge of whether someone has a gambling problem or not. It's all relative to the person involved. Yes, Heidisue spent 15K...but 15K to her may be the same as $15 to me. There is no way of knowing. Like JustPlay, I am absolutely floored sometimes when I read some of the amounts I see on here re: deposits, or even single spins on a slot. But again, there's no way of knowing that person's circumstances, so it's hard to say anything. I would think a more accurate determination would be playing patterns ie. chasing losses, someone who repeatedly plays for hours or even days at a time, that type of thing. I read a post on here the other day where I'm almost positive someone said they had played for 40 hrs straight. I'm sorry, but that's a problem...if this is your normal style of play.
It's not about judging anyone, it's about maybe trying to help someone realize that there is help out there..and that they don't have to continue on down the same road they're on. I know that Heidisue was brought up in this thread, primarily because she used the term "stupid gambling addiction". She leaves herself open for comment when she uses that term. Also the pattern of play that she has posted about is classic "chasing losses". Deposit after deposit, knowing full well she will never get back the 15K she lost, but almost unable to stop. That is a problem, and I don't care what anyone says. Are there more like her here on CM? Tons I'd bet. Should they be ridiculed for it? Of course not. But threads like this are important, even if they do nothing more than make a few people stop and think for a bit about their own playing habits.
Kimss also comes to mind. He posted again the other day about trying to quit for the 100th time. As long as I can remember, he has been posting something similar. I'm not judging him, and by his own admission, he has a serious problem. And has admitted that it impacts his life in negative ways. I sincerely hope that one of these days he actually does it. And this is sort of where that fine line comes in. Even if he hasn't asked for self exclusion, should the casino reps who are aware of his numerous postings (and problems) over the years, step in and be more proactive? Should they set a deposit limit on him or maybe close his accounts permanently? Ethically, I would say yes...but I also realize that wouldn't be very good business.
In relation to what is actually said in threads like this, and the thought that maybe we shouldn't comment on the things people throw out there...I'm going to quote Max, from a post he made in another thread. Slightly condensed version, but the principle is the same.
First thing: I think you might misunderstand how forums work.
You are free to post, others are free to reply/comment/whatever as they see fit.
You don't 'own' the thread so it's not really up to you to say what is or is not a suitable response.
Remember: you are free to post, the membership is free to reply. That's how this works.
So basically, if you don't want your thoughts and opinions commented on, then don't post. If you don't want people discussing your possible addiction, or problem, then don't bring it to light. Again, it's got nothing to do with judging anyone. It's about discussing something that is a very serious issue, and I would suspect affects alot more than just those who admit to it.
for the measures you have taken that might protect people from themselves.
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