Responsible Gambling Revolution: Unlocking a New Era of Safe and Enjoyable Gaming with Alan Feldman

Responsible Gambling at a Turning Point: Insights from the Gambling and Risk-Taking Conference

The recent Gambling and Risk-Taking Conference, hosted by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), brought together industry experts to discuss the state of responsible gambling. In an interview with Alan Feldman, a distinguished fellow at UNLV, conducted by Philip Beere, Head of Marketing of Gaming Analytics and Host of the No Line Podcast, attendees were given valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities surrounding responsible gambling. With the conference taking place after a four-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a sense of urgency to address the lack of progress in promoting responsible gambling.

The Need for Improved Responsible Gambling Efforts

Feldman highlighted the pressing need for more effective responsible gambling initiatives. Despite years of efforts, the uptake of responsible gambling measures has been minimal. Metrics such as self-exclusion sign-ups, self-limiting behaviors, and hotline calls have shown little change over the past three decades. Furthermore, the rise of sports betting has shifted the focus of hotline calls to account-related queries rather than addressing gambling behavior. It is clear that a more nuanced approach is needed to engage individuals and deliver the right message at the right time.

Redefining Responsible Gambling

Feldman emphasized that responsible gambling should not solely be associated with problem gambling. The majority of individuals who gamble do so for enjoyment and do not experience harm. However, there is a significant number of people who may be at risk of harm but have not reached the clinical diagnosis of a gambling disorder. To effectively promote responsible gambling, the industry must find ways to deliver subtle and tailored messages that resonate with each individual, rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach.

Challenges in Messaging and Intervention

The industry faces the challenge of crafting messages that influence behavioral change without alienating or stigmatizing individuals. Feldman drew parallels to successful marketing strategies used by various industries, emphasizing the importance of delivering the right message in the right way at the right time. He highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in revolutionizing responsible gambling efforts. AI could enable personalized interventions that provide course corrections and inform individuals about their gambling behavior in a non-intrusive manner.

The Role of Companies and Accountability

Feldman commended the progress made by gambling companies in assigning dedicated staff members to responsible gambling initiatives. This accountability ensures that responsible gambling efforts extend beyond compliance requirements and become ingrained in the company culture. However, he emphasized the need for companies to go further by innovating and taking a proactive approach to responsible gambling. It is crucial for companies to view responsible gambling as an integral part of sustainability, focusing on helping customers become smarter gamblers and ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.

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