GambleAware Finds Slots and Online Casinos Pose Highest Risk of Gambling Harm

A comprehensive report commissioned by GambleAware has identified electronic gaming machines (EGMs) and online casino games as the most significant contributors to gambling-related harm. Conducted by Bournemouth University, the analysis integrates extensive data gathered from multiple reputable sources, including annual statistics from the National Gambling Treatment Service along with insights from GambleAware and GamCare.

Key Findings

The report elaborates on how varying gambling activities carry distinct risk profiles influenced by factors such as the speed of play, accessibility, and user demographics. Below is a breakdown of the risk levels associated with key gambling products:

• Electronic Gaming Machines (EGMs):
  Widely found in betting shops, EGMs emerge as the most harmful gambling product. High-frequency engagement with EGMs is correlated with the onset of gambling-related issues, particularly among younger adults.

• Casino Games:
  Ranking second, both online and land-based casino games present considerable risks. However, online variations exacerbate these challenges due to rapid gameplay and continuous reinforcement opportunities, leading to increased instances of harmful gambling behavior.

• Sports Betting:
  Particularly during live events, sports betting—especially in-play betting—constitutes a high-risk activity. This format tends to endorse impulsivity, leading to excessive or compulsive betting practices among users.

• Lotteries:
  Generally regarded as lower-risk, lotteries involve infrequent participation and reduced spending. Nevertheless, specific forms such as daily lotteries or instant games can pose moderate risks, especially for frequent players.

• Scratch Cards:
  Often viewed as informal gambling, scratch cards still present moderate risks, particularly when players go beyond their intended budget or engage in excessive purchases.

• Bingo:
  Traditional bingo is seen as the least risky gambling form due to its social engagement aspects and lower monetary stakes. Nonetheless, the shift toward online platforms could modify its risk profile, especially in contexts of diminished social interactions.

Online vs. Offline Gambling

The distinction between online and offline gambling is pivotal in assessing harm levels associated with various activities. The report indicates that online gambling often correlates with heightened risks due to its accessibility, anonymity, and design that encourages frequent participation. Many online gamblers tend to engage in multiple gambling forms, amplifying their exposure to potential harm.

In contrast, offline gambling—while still possessing risks, especially associated with physical EGMs—tends to involve social consequences such as job loss and relationship deterioration, thereby contributing to a different set of challenges.

Demographic Insights

The study delves into how gambling behaviors and associated risks differ among various demographic groups, uncovering distinct patterns:

• Young Adults (18–34):
  This group displays a propensity towards high-risk gambling activities, including sports betting and EGMs. The combination of impulsive gambling tendencies and a preference for high-intensity experiences heightens their risk factor.

• Gender Differences:
  Men are statistically more likely to engage in high-risk gambling activities, particularly involving sports betting and gaming machines. While women’s participation has traditionally been lower, a growing trend in online gambling highlights an urgent need for research focused on this demographic.

• Ethnic and Religious Factors:
  Varied gambling behaviors and risks are evident across different ethnic and religious backgrounds. Developing targeted interventions is crucial to cater to the specific requirements and challenges faced by these populations, ensuring inclusivity and efficacy.

Motivational and Behavioral Factors

An in-depth understanding of the motivations behind gambling and the behaviors surrounding it significantly contributes to identifying risk levels:

• Multiple Gambling Activities:
  The research reveals that individuals engaging in diverse gambling types are at a heightened risk of experiencing harm. The frequency and breadth of gambling participation are often more telling risk indicators than the specific types involved.

• Gaming-Gambling Overlap:
  The convergence between video gaming and gambling—exemplified by loot boxes and esports wagering—poses unique risks, particularly for younger audiences. These activities blur the lines between recreational gaming and gambling, necessitating the development of intervention strategies to mitigate emerging risks.

Recommendations

In light of its findings, the report outlines several strategic recommendations:

For Regulation and Policy

• Focus on High-Risk Products:
  Implement stricter regulations targeting high-risk products such as EGMs and online casino games. Proposals may include lower betting limits, mandatory play breaks, and constraints on live betting to curb impulsive behaviors.

• Protect Vulnerable Groups:
  Custom harm-reduction initiatives directed at younger adults and populations at risk should encompass education and support, tailored specifically to their unique circumstances.

For Industry Practices

• Shared Customer Databases:
  Operators should establish cooperative databases to identify at-risk players and initiate personalized intervention strategies. This unified approach can facilitate behavior tracking across platforms, thus reducing potential harm.

• Safer by Design:
  The design of gambling products must prioritize harm reduction, through measures such as restricted accessibility and the integration of features promoting responsible gambling practices.

For Further Research

• Longitudinal Studies:
  Conducting longitudinal studies to monitor gambling behaviors over time can be instrumental in recognizing patterns that may predict future harm.

• Gaming-Gambling Features:
  Investigating gambling-like elements within video games, such as loot boxes, is essential to formulating appropriate regulations and intervention mechanisms.

By following these guidelines and addressing the complexities within the gambling landscape, industry stakeholders can significantly reduce gambling-related harm and foster a safer environment for all participants.