Gamblers in the UK Wary of Support Tools, Lived Experience, RG Campaigns

The United Kingdom has arguably led the way in introducing safe and responsible play tools. While there has been record uptake in such solutions by consumers, a new survey by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) suggests that a considerable number of players still view these tools as little more than an industry veneer meant to create the impression that players are being protected and looked-after rather than a PR stunt to coverup all the harm companies have done.

UGKC Takes Closer Look at Adverse and Positive Impact of Gambling

The study suggests that problem gambling support tools available at casinos and other gambling operators in the United Kingdom are not generally looked at favorably by players. The commission sought to understand why this is, with players reporting difficulties accessing such tools, and attributing these difficulties to the companies’ own making.

More importantly, however, people argued that they found it very hard to trust gambling companies to provide them with the gambling tools that would effectively restrict their gambling spend because of the inherent financial and business interest these companies have in keeping players playing. This comes amid surging results for operators.

Other points that came up in the survey include a continuing skepticism towards the effectiveness of the tools offered, as well as a lack of awareness about such tools, which could indicate that licensed stakeholders in the United Kingdom may indeed need to do better when it comes to gambling tools.

Not all is bad, though. Some consumers responded positively to practical tools such as limiting deposits and total spent amounts, which has helped them reduce the overall losses by players and generally improved their overall situation.

The UKGC has also analyzed gambling from two distinct points of view – one of presumed bad that is done by the industry and inflicted onto consumers, and the other, from the point of view of people who actually report happiness as a result of their gambling activity.

Adverse Consequences Too Important to Overlook

First, for the adverse effects. Most people who complained about gambling expressed worries about the financial consequences of excessive gambling.

Many people had chosen to reduce the money they spend on utilities or food to keep their gambling habit, or miss out on social meetings and gatherings, either because of financial constraints, depression, or simply spending that time gambling.

Gambling could also encroach on other areas of life, such as work or education, with both adverse effects well-documented by an ample body of research. On the flipside, some people reported that they had felt “uplifted” as a result of gambling. Gambling was even cited as a “bonding experience” with family and friends, as well as a good way to pass the time.

The regulator has said that it would conduct more research to better analyze and further understand how problem gambling continues to have adverse effects on individuals and seek to issue guidance meant to address these problems head-on.