A recent report commissioned by GambleAware has raised significant concerns about the UK government’s gambling white paper, questioning whether its proposed measures adequately address the risks associated with high-harm gambling activities. The report sheds light on the most dangerous forms of gambling, their impacts, and the steps needed to better protect vulnerable individuals.
Electronic Gaming Machines Top the List of High-Risk Activities
The report, conducted by Bournemouth University and based on responses from over 40,000 participants between 2020 and 2022, highlighted electronic gaming machines (EGMs) as the most harmful form of gambling. According to GambleAware’s Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI), 79% of individuals scoring at-risk levels of 1 or more on the PGSI reported playing EGMs.
In comparison:
- Retail betting (excluding football, horse, and dog racing) accounted for 71%.
- Online casinos came in at 63%.
The PGSI scale categorises players based on nine behaviours, with higher scores correlating to more severe consequences. Notably, novelty betting markets also emerged as high-risk in a 2023 Gambling Commission survey, underscoring similar concerns.
In stark contrast, the National Lottery presented the lowest risk, with only 19% of participants scoring at-risk levels. However, it was still linked to significant numbers of problem gamblers due to its sheer volume of players, highlighting the need for broader preventive measures.
Key Findings: Risk and Frequency
The data also revealed an interesting pattern: individuals gambling fortnightly were more likely to report problems than those gambling weekly. Among players without reported gambling issues, the most common combination of activities was playing the National Lottery and scratchcards, at 81%.
Despite its lower risk association, the National Lottery had an estimated 600,000 problem gamblers, with another 500,000 linked to scratchcards. These figures challenge assumptions about the safety of low-stakes, high-participation gambling activities.
CEO Zoë Osmond Calls for Stricter Measures
GambleAware CEO Zoë Osmond expressed doubts about the white paper’s adequacy in tackling these issues. She highlighted particular concerns over proposed relaxations for land-based gambling, which may lead to an increase in EGMs in venues. The white paper’s recommendation to introduce higher online slot limits for those over 25 also drew criticism, with Osmond advocating for consistent protections across all age groups.
“No form of gambling is completely without risk,” she said. “This report raises critical concerns about whether current measures go far enough. We believe adopting our recommendations will help protect individuals and mitigate the corrosive effects gambling harm can have on lives, finances, and relationships.”
What Is GambleAware Proposing?
To counter these risks, GambleAware has proposed a series of recommendations to tighten restrictions and enhance player protection. Key suggestions include:
- Enhanced Regulation for EGMs: Stricter rules for EGMs, particularly for younger adults, who are more susceptible to gambling harms.
- Education and Support for National Lottery Players: Greater efforts to inform players about risks and direct them to available support services.
- Individualised Interventions: Tailored strategies to address the needs of heavy gamblers, who face the highest risks.
- Mandatory Problem Gambling Assessments: Requiring players to complete a standardised assessment when creating accounts and at regular intervals.
One notable recommendation involves treating loot boxes in video games as a form of gambling. The report highlighted concerns about the link between gambling and gaming, especially for younger players. It called for age restrictions on loot boxes to prevent early exposure to gambling-like practices.
Regulation of Loot Boxes: A Growing Concern
Loot boxes, virtual bundles of mystery items purchasable in video games, have increasingly drawn criticism for their similarities to gambling. GambleAware warned that their prevalence may normalise gambling behaviours, particularly among young people.
The report stated: “Evidence shows that gambling-like practices in video games contribute to gambling-related harms. Introducing age restrictions on these features can help reduce risks associated with early exposure.”
What’s Next for the Gambling Industry?
The findings come as the gambling industry faces growing scrutiny. The report adds weight to calls for stronger regulations to ensure the safety of all players, especially those engaging in high-risk activities. While the government’s white paper has already implemented some measures, this latest research suggests the need for more comprehensive and targeted approaches to address the complexities of gambling harm.