“Seeking Understanding” Webinar Recommends Methods for Identifying Problem Gambling

“Seeking Understanding” saw several experts discuss the complex ecosystem of modern gambling and how modern tools can help to identify people who suffer from problematic gambling.

What Did “Seeking Understanding” Outline?

“Seeking Understanding” was a webinar held this week and hosted by AGEM Director of Responsible Gaming Connie Jones, and it focused on discussions regarding problem gambling habits and the awareness of those. Sponsored by the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers, the event was held in conjunction with Problem Gambling Awareness Month. It saw several distinguished experts discuss various issues regarding problematic gambling behavior and how it can be identified.

One of them, Dr. Brett Abarbanel, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Executive Director International Gaming Institute, made an interesting comparison to an ecological condition. The edge effect is a change that occurs at the boundary (or “edge”) between two or more distinct ecosystems or habitat types. For example, habitats abut one another such as a grassland next to a forest.

Abarbanel explained that rather than plant and animal communities found at the intersection of different habitat edges, in the context of gambling, the meeting point occurs between gambling, games, and sports. She noted that the industry finances different technologies, consumer platforms, and viewership channels.

In this context, the edge effect is more about the structural changes occurring in gambling, according to Abarbanel.  More broadly, gambling-like products – emerge from the fusion of previously separate sectors that, 30 years ago, would have been isolated from one another. All of this further endangers those prone to developing harmful gambling habits and those already suffering from such effects.

Experts Explain How Modern Tools Help with Problem Gambling

As Abarbanel explained, the gambling industry has a very diverse ecosystem, and certain challenges arise when wanting to help those who suffer from harmful gambling habits. Abarbanel points out that a key issue to address is defining what qualifies as gambling and what does not. She highlighted that this definition may differ between legislators or lawyers and the general public.

In addition, another one of the guests of the webinar, Playtech Head of Regulatory Affairs Charmaine Hogan, said it’s important to identify patterns of risky play early so players don’t have to self-exclude, which is considered a last-resort measure. However, Hogan explained that with modern technology, it is much easier for operators to identify players with risk factors.

According to the expert, modern systems can detect risk factors weeks before the traditional approach does. The latter methods typically involve individual alerts, which are generic pop-up messages sent to all players. In contrast, messages powered by AI and flagged patterns of play are tailored to the individual, based on specific behaviors, such as spending too much time or money.

Hogan also explained that over 70 indicators can be used across these parameters. She emphasized that what’s crucial is that technology enables operators to intervene earlier and in a more practical manner with players. Finally, Hogan said that personalized interventions are more relevant and more effective than generic messages when it comes to helping those suffering from problematic gambling habits.