PointsBet has partnered with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) to launch a research initiative focused on responsible gambling decision-making for online gambling operators.
The goal of the research is “to understand how various industry, government, and clinical stakeholders would respond to various scenarios in which a fictitious online betting customer demonstrates potentially problematic gambling behavior”.
“With the rapid expansion of legalized 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,” commented Johnny Aitken, CEO of PointsBet USA.
“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.
“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.”
Attendees of the National Conference on Gambling Addiction & Responsible Gambling 2022 will be issued with an anonymous and voluntary survey.
Designed by PointsBet in collaboration with NCPG and the Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health, the survey will feature three fictional customers that are demonstrating possible problematic gambling behavior.
Based on the customer’s actions, survey respondents will be asked to act as an operator and decide the best course of action.
Keith Whyte, Executive Director of the National Council on Problem Gambling, added: “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.
“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 survey’s findings and analysis will be made available to all conference attendees and the general public in September.
Last month, the NCPG entered into a six-year license agreement with the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey to use its 1-800-GAMBLER helpline in all US states and territories.
