Latest articles
More People Than Ever Are Seeking Help for Gambling Problems—Even When Not Their Own
More people in the UK sought gambling treatment and support—for their gambling or someone else’s—over the last fiscal year, according to leading gambling harm prevention charity GambleAware. But, while the increased demand is something to watch, the report also offered a silver lining: treatments appear effective for those who reach out. For American policymakers, the […]
Emergence of High-Interest Loans Alongside Legal Gambling Spells Recipe for Trouble in Brazil
The imminent launch of legal online gambling in Brazil comes at a risky time because it coincides with the emergence of high-interest microloans. Though regulated markets are safer than the alternative, the opening of new markets typically leads to a temporary uptick in gambling. Throwing predatory lending practices into the mix threatens to create a perfect storm […]
Gambling Harm is More Than Just Clinically-Defined ‘Problem Gambling,’ Argues Lancet Public Health Commission
A recent report from The Lancet’s Public Health Commission on Gambling argues the gambling industry understates the social harm of gambling by emphasizing the low rate of clinically disordered gambling and ignoring other forms of harm. The esteemed medical journal’s new report suggests our focus on individual responsibility in response to ‘problem gambling’ likewise minimizes […]
Players Enjoy Arcade-Like Gambling Machines But Don’t Always Understand Them
Skill-based gambling machines (SGMs), which merge the chance-based rewards of electronic gaming machines (EGMs) with video game-like skill requirements, are popular among players worldwide. However, evidence suggests those same players don’t always understand the reality of how the games work. So, just what are SGMs, and how do they differ from traditional EGMs like slots […]
Massachusetts Gaming Commission Faces Legal Action Over Alleged Data Sharing Failure
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) is facing a lawsuit alleging it failed in its “unambiguous statutory obligation” to obtain casino data and provide it to researchers. The action, filed in Suffolk Superior Court by the Massachusetts-based Public Health Advocacy Institute (PHAI), seeks a Mandamus Order to compel the MGC to collect and share the data […]
SVPGC, a New South Virginia Organization, Aims to Raise Local Awareness on Problem Gambling
As part of a statewide effort to tackle gambling addiction, three South Virginia organizations have joined forces to create the Southern Virginia Problem Gambling Cooperative (SVPGC). Together, they plan to serve the region and educate residents about the dangers of problem gambling. The three parties to the SVPGC are: Danville-Pittsylvania Community Services Board Southside Behavioral […]
AGA’s Responsible Gaming Intervention Effectiveness Scale Helps Build Better RG Messages
In September, the American Gaming Association (AGA) announced a new way to measure whether a responsible gaming (RG) campaign is working, and how well. Launched during Responsible Gaming Education Month, the Responsible Gaming Intervention Effectiveness Scale (RG-IES) aims to ensure RG messages speak to their intended audience. The “first-of-its-kind, free-to-use” tool developed by Drs. Jonathan Ross Gilbert […]
Playtech Teams Up with UNLV on AI-Powered Responsible Gaming Initiatives
Playtech and the International Gaming Institute (IGI) at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) announced a multi-year partnership aimed at using technology to encourage responsible gaming. Initially, the two entities plan to focus on the emerging field of machine learning and large language models (LLMs), often colloquially described as “artificial intelligence.” IGI Director of Research Kasra Ghaharian said: We are thrilled […]
Tailored Interventions, Therapeutic Bond Critical to Gambling Treatment Success: Kindbridge
Customized treatment is “crucial” to success when addressing problem gambling behaviors and comorbid mental health conditions, according to a new report from Kindbridge Behavioral Health (KBH). Perhaps equally critical is the relationship between clinician and patient. While not called out in its report, Kindbridge noted the latter’s import in conversation with Bonus. Chief clinical officer […]
Does Growing Up Near a Casino Affect Young People? Boston Wants to Know
Boston officials are concerned about the potential impact of the Encore Boston Harbor on local youth and have commissioned a study to determine what effects it’s having, if any. As the focus for the study, they’ve chosen Charlestown, just across the Mystic River from the casino site. The luxury casino resort opened in 2019 and offers slots, table games, […]