PointsBet & NCPG to ‘spark dialogue’ through RG research initiative

Dialogue

PointsBet has detailed a collaboration with the National Council on Problem Gambling to debut a research initiative that will be centred on responsible gambling decision making for online operators.

The pair state that the objective of the alignment is to understand how various industry, government, and clinical stakeholders would respond to an array of scenarios in which a fictitious online betting customer demonstrates potentially problematic gambling behaviour.

“With the rapid expansion of legalised sports betting across the US, a commitment to responsible gambling today will have a direct impact on the future health of players and sustainability of the industry,” explained Johnny Aitken, PointsBet USA CEO. 

“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 behaviour. 

“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.”

An anonymous and voluntary survey, designed by PointsBet in collaboration with NCPG and the Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health, will be issued to attendees of the National Conference on Gambling Addiction & Responsible Gambling 2022. 

This will feature three fictional customers who are demonstrating potentially problematic gambling behaviour. Those who opt in will be asked to take on the role of an operator and determine the best course of action for the customer based on the observed behaviour.

“Online gambling operators are required to provide various responsible gambling tools. These tools should be regularly reviewed and evaluated by stakeholders to ensure they are adequately serving customers,” noted Keith Whyte, Executive Director of the NCPG.

“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.”

The 2022 National Conference on Gambling Addiction and Responsible Gambling in Boston, Massachusetts, on July 20–23 at the Westin Boston Seaport District hotel.