The gaming industry is currently reassessing the term “responsible gaming,” which has long been used to describe the efforts to protect vulnerable gamblers. Experts Michael Soll and Travis Sztainert from the International Center for Responsible Gaming argue that while the language surrounding gambling and responsibility is important, the term itself should not be discarded.
They most notably critique the simplicity of messages like “gamble responsibly,” which can offer little guidance and create moral judgments about gamblers. Instead, they propose a shift toward concepts like “intentional gambling,” focusing on the reasons and decision-making behind gambling behaviors.
Key Points Discussed:
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Language Matters: The terms used can influence attitudes towards gambling and its associated problems. Alternatives like “safer gambling” or “player protection” have emerged but may not fully encompass the responsibilities of all stakeholders involved.
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Shared Responsibility: The Reno Model suggests that the responsibility to mitigate gambling harm is distributed across various stakeholders, including governments, operators, and health services. This model emphasizes collective accountability rather than placing blame solely on individuals.
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Public Health Perspective: Responsible gaming isn’t in conflict with public health. A robust public health approach reflects on broader social conditions while recognizing individual behavior.
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Reclaiming the Term: Instead of abandoning “responsible gaming,” there’s a call to redefine it. The focus should shift towards clarifying responsibilities across the board, ensuring that various parties share accountability for reducing gambling-related harm.
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Educational Opportunities: The approaching Responsible Gaming Education Month presents a chance to discuss broader questions around gambling, such as product design and marketing, and what it truly means to gamble responsibly.
Ultimately, the conversation surrounding responsible gambling should revolve around a collective effort to ensure safety and health in gambling practices rather than vilifying individual behavior.
