Social responsibility and problem gambling

www.international-responsible-gaming.org

Dr Mark Griffiths

Professor of Gambling Studies

International Gaming Research Unit

Nottingham Trent University (UK)

Co-Director, IRGO

What is Responsible Gaming?What is Responsible Gaming?

Ethical, regulatory requirement, expected Ethical, regulatory requirement, expected by customersby customers

Responsible gaming is about giving people Responsible gaming is about giving people the choice to play well designed games in a the choice to play well designed games in a secure and supportive environmentsecure and supportive environment

Social responsibility is a necessity not a Social responsibility is a necessity not a luxuryluxury

World gambling trendsWorld gambling trends(Griffiths, 2001; 2006)(Griffiths, 2001; 2006)

Gambling becoming "technologised" Gambling becoming "technologised" Gambling coming out of gambling Gambling coming out of gambling

environmentsenvironments Gambling becoming "asocial"Gambling becoming "asocial" Mass deregulationMass deregulation Increased accessibilityIncreased accessibility (Increased social responsibility)(Increased social responsibility)

Influences on gaming behaviourInfluences on gaming behaviour(Griffiths, 2005; Parke & Griffiths, 2006; 2007)(Griffiths, 2005; Parke & Griffiths, 2006; 2007)

(Problem) (Problem) Gambling Gambling BehaviourBehaviour

Situational Situational CharacteristicsCharacteristics

IndividualIndividualCharacteristicsCharacteristics

Structural Structural CharacteristicsCharacteristics

Dimensions of responsible gamingDimensions of responsible gaming(Griffiths & Wood, 2008)(Griffiths & Wood, 2008)

Behavioural transparency

Design Customer support

Social responsibility tool examplesSocial responsibility tool examples

GGaming aming AAssessment ssessment MMeasure - easure - GGuidance uidance aabout bout RResponsible esponsible DDesignesign

PlayScan (SpelKoll - Svenska Spel)

Responsible gaming practices (1)Responsible gaming practices (1)(Griffiths, 2002; Griffiths, Wood, Parke & Parke, 2007)(Griffiths, 2002; Griffiths, Wood, Parke & Parke, 2007)

Advertising and promotion Industry compliance to codes of conduct Informed choice Product purchase Access by minors Displaying of helpful information

Responsible gaming practices (2)Responsible gaming practices (2)

Advertising sources of help for gambling problems

Staff training Design - game and environment Monitoring player behaviour Appropriate staff intervention Support for social impact initiatives Commitment to social responsibility

Online versus offline gamingOnline versus offline gaming

Convenience gamblingConvenience gambling Behavioural tracking (positive and negative)Behavioural tracking (positive and negative) Player identificationPlayer identification Disinhibition effectsDisinhibition effects Practice/demonstration modesPractice/demonstration modes

ConclusionsConclusions Online gambling tends to provide less protection Online gambling tends to provide less protection

for vulnerable gamblersfor vulnerable gamblers

Therefore higher levels of social responsibility are Therefore higher levels of social responsibility are requiredrequired

Companies need to focus on the three main SR Companies need to focus on the three main SR domains in protecting, supporting and helping domains in protecting, supporting and helping clienteleclientele