As gambling evolves and expands around the globe, including in the Dutch Caribbean, problem gambling issues are receiving much more attention. Problem gambling is a disorder characterised by preoccupation with wagering, chasing losses and losing control over the amount of time and money spent gambling. Approximately 2% of adults reports mild to severe gambling problems in a given year.
Therefore, modern gaming regulations include responsible gambling requirements such as a written plan with measurable objectives in areas like employee training, self-exclusion, advertising guidelines and the ability for customers to set limits on time and money spent betting.
Progressive gambling operators are increasingly using loyalty card and player tracking data to reduce risk (and marketing expense!) among their customers by tailoring promotions and bonuses to players who do not exhibit high risk behaviours.
These gamblers are less likely to “burn out” and therefore have better lifetime value. Responsible gambling is both good business and good ethics.
Government and the gambling industry alike increasingly recognise the only ethical and economical way to maximise economic benefits from legalised gambling is to minimise health costs related to gambling problems.
We are working with enlightened casino operators, lottery directors, health ministry officials and NGOs [non-governmental organisations – ed.] on responsible gambling projects and on problem gambling services to provide hope and help to individuals suffering from gambling addiction.
We appreciate the opportunity to engage with government officials, gaming executives and attendees at the GovRisk event in St. Maarten.
About the author
Keith Whyte is Executive Director of the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) in Washington, D.C. He has over 19 years of national experience in gaming and problem gambling issues. Recognised widely for his work on gaming policy, Whyte has presented on gambling issues in 39 US states and 14 countries. He has testified before the United States Congress four times and appeared before numerous state legislative and regulatory bodies.
