PointsBet and the National Council on Problem Gambling are partnering for a research project that will probe how the industry responds to bettors showing possible signs of gambling addiction.
The Australian-based bookmaker and the Washington, D.C.-headquartered non-profit announced the launch of their research initiative on Monday, saying it will be “centered around responsible gambling decision making” of online sportsbooks and other internet-based operators.
The effort comes as legal sports betting spreads across the United States, accompanied by concerns about a possible rise in problem gambling.
"Navigating how to identify and address problem gambling is a complex and sensitive issue, and operators are regularly faced with how to best respond to customers who are exhibiting problematic gambling behavior,” PointsBet USA CEO Johnny Aitken said in a press release. “Through this research project, we're aiming to gain more insights on the thought process that goes into finding solutions for those impacted by problem gambling as well as better help inform operator decision making on this matter."
Survey says
The way that the program will work is as follows. When the National Conference on Gambling Addiction & Responsible Gambling 2022 takes place in Boston, attendees will be offered the chance to complete a fully anonymous survey. The survey will ask about three case studies where a gambler is showing signs of potential gambling addiction. Respondents will have to choose what they would do, acting as the operator of the sportsbook.
The goal of the survey will be to identify what resources or steps online sportsbooks can take that best prevent people from becoming problem gamblers. The results are expected to be released in September 2022 and help inform online sportsbooks when deciding what to do with potential problem gamblers.
"Our hope is that the results of this survey will spark dialogue amongst operators as well as regulators, treatment providers, researchers, and problem gambling advocates to help inform the responsible gambling decisions that online gambling operators face,” said Keith Whyte, executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling, in Monday’s press release.
A recurring problem
One of the big concerns that people have had with the wave of sports betting legalization that has swept across the United States is that of problem gambling. Detractors of sports betting legalization have put forward the threat of problem gambling and warned legal sports betting could make it easier for those susceptible to fall into addiction.
This has led to pressure on sportsbook operators to push resources into problem gambling initiatives. While every sportsbook has some type of resource for problem gambling, certain operators have taken this duty more seriously than others.
PointsBet, which is now live in 10 U.S. states and the Canadian province of Ontario, isn’t the only sportsbook that is pushing in this area.
FanDuel, for instance, is another sportsbook that has recently made a contribution to reducing problem gambling. March is the official Problem Gambling Awareness Month and this year FanDuel committed $100,000 to the National Council on Problem Gambling as well as launching a large advertising campaign.
“Online gambling operators are required to provide various responsible gambling tools,” Whyte said on Monday. “These tools should be regularly reviewed and evaluated by stakeholders to ensure they are adequately serving customers.”
