Allied Irish Banks has launched a new feature that allows customers to voluntarily block transactions related to gambling on their debit and credit cards. This initiative is designed to assist those struggling with gambling addiction, helping them avoid financial harm to themselves and their families. The feature is available across both personal and business accounts, with EBS, a member of the AIB group, also offering the service.

Supporting Customers in Combating Gambling Harm

Geraldine Casey, Managing Director of Retail Banking at AIB, highlighted the bank’s commitment to supporting customers facing gambling-related issues. “We understand that when gambling becomes harmful it can affect not just the person involved, but their families and friends too. It can damage relationships, finances, employment, and mental health,” she said. Casey emphasized the importance of the financial services industry in helping customers protect themselves from the dangers of problem gambling, stating, “It’s important AIB does what we can to help them stop the harm.”

The gambling block feature is optional and can be activated at the customer’s request, providing a proactive tool for those who wish to take control of their financial health.

Collaboration and Support

AIB’s initiative is part of a broader effort to address gambling harm, launched in collaboration with the Gambling Awareness Trust. Feedback from customers across Ireland indicated that the ability to block gambling transactions would be a critical step in helping individuals regain control over their spending. The bank’s collaboration with GamblingCare.ie, a key player in gambling harm prevention, has been instrumental in shaping this feature. The organization provided guidance on how to support vulnerable customers effectively.

Oisín McConville, a former Armagh footballer and GamblingCare.ie Brand Ambassador who has personally overcome a gambling problem, praised AIB for this initiative. “I would like to reassure people that you can recover, that there is life after gambling addiction and that help is available to anyone who needs it,” McConville said, encouraging others to utilize the supports available.

Growing Awareness and the Role of Banks

The introduction of this feature by AIB comes amid increasing awareness of the issues related to gambling. Financial institutions are now seen as key players in preventing problem gambling. A similar approach has been advocated in the UK, where banks have been warned by GamCare, a leading gambling harm prevention charity, about the risks associated with gambling transactions, particularly for business and self-employed customers.

With over 130,000 people estimated to suffer from problem gambling in Ireland, AIB’s new feature represents a significant step in providing practical tools to help those affected by gambling addiction, potentially setting a precedent for other financial institutions to follow.

Source:

AIB introduces voluntary blocks on card transactions to stop problem gambling, RTÉ, August 26, 2024.*

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As Thailand is on track to advance a bill that would introduce the first casino resorts in the country, academics have cautioned that the potential societal costs may be too steep to bear, and outstrip the theoretical windfall from tax levied on casino floors.

Thai Academics Doubt Good That Will Come Out of Casino Resorts

Thailand has been looking to throw its hat in the local casino resort ring for many years now, and a bill that is in the final stages of preparation should allow the country to push on and introduce its first casino resort ahead of Japan’s, giving the country an advantage.

Local players would not be prohibited from playing, but they would need to pay a fee of 5,000 baht to enter the casino every time they visit. Foreigners would be charged a 5,000 baht fee once a year.

Although the outlook for casino resorts is positive – they will create thousands of jobs, draw in wealthy spenders, and tackle illegal gambling all in one go – some experts worry that the benefits of legalizing gambling would end up short of the damage the new legislation would cause.

Economist Chidtawan Chanakul estimates that the regulation of casinos and the introduction of casino resorts would have an immediate impact on the levels of gambling-related harm and gambling addiction in the public.

“A study in the US has found that for every dollar earned from casinos in Las Vegas, the US government has to pay 3 dollars to remedy the impact of casinos. It is therefore not worthwhile,” Chanakul said, citing international research.

She further lambasted the government over its job creation initiative that is tied to casinos. According to Chanakul, such jobs have no actual economic value. They are mostly low-skilled and they would not help the country transition to a high-income gap.

Corruption Makes Casino Resorts Even Less Likely to Be Good for Society

She similarly disregarded an argument that the government had put forward – Singapore. The issue with Singapore, she argued, was that the country had a very low level of corruption, and Thailand was in contrast fairly corrupt – much more akin to the Philippines.

Chanakul was similarly backed by Nualnoi Trirat, director of the Centre for Gambling Studies, who was also sceptical of the positive impact gambling legalization would have. She too cited concerns about government, legislation, and ultimately – corruption, which could impede any meaningful impact from legalizing casino resorts.

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A recent report from Queen Mary University of London sheds light on the pivotal role financial institutions can play in preventing significant financial harm arising from problem gambling. As more individuals seek help for gambling-related issues, the study emphasizes the unique position banks hold in identifying and mitigating gambling-related harms.

Financial Institutions Can Be the First Line of Defense

The research, conducted by the Multi-disciplinary Research Hub on the Prevention of Gambling Harms, reveals that approximately 44% of the UK population engaged in gambling in the year leading up to March 2023. While gambling can be a form of entertainment, it can escalate into a problem for some, resulting in severe financial and mental health issues and an increased risk of criminal involvement.

Some of the report’s highlights include innovative approaches financial institutions can adopt to support individuals affected by gambling-related harms. Dr. Janelle Jones, senior lecturer in Social Psychology at Queen Mary University of London, underscored the personal consequences of problem gambling, noting that financial institutions like banks had the perfect tools to enhance existing prevention and treatment measures.

Banks, with their unique position and access to transactional and behavioral data, can effectively identify and assist customers in recognizing and addressing their gambling-related issues early.

Dr. Janelle Jones, Queen Mary University of London senior lecturer in Social Psychology

According to the document, banks can implement measures like gambling blocks to identify and assist customers in recognizing early signs of gambling-related issues. Such institutions can conduct spending analyses to monitor transaction patterns and identify irregularities. Banks can then engage in active communication with customers, facilitating early intervention by addressing gambling-related issues.

Collaboration with Other Stakeholders Remains Paramount

The study emphasizes the importance of proactive measures, including banks actively signposting affected customers to specialized support agencies like Gamcare. These actions align not only with the new Consumer Duty imposed by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) but also contribute to promoting customer well-being and financial stability during a turbulent time for the country’s gambling sector.

Banks are generally in a better position to spot potential issues and intervene, as they do not suffer conflicts of interest like gambling operators. However, Julia Hörnle, professor of Internet Law at Queen Mary University of London,  notes inconsistencies in the implementation of these measures across the banking industry, highlighting the need for industry-wide standards and regulatory guidelines. 

Clearer guidance and minimum standards as to what the new Consumer Duty means for protecting individuals experiencing serious gambling harms is necessary.

Julia Hörnle, Professor of Internet Law at Queen Mary University of London

The study concludes that fostering collaboration between banks and regulators, establishing enhanced standards, and involving people with experience of gambling-related harm in designing measures can lead to more effective prevention of unsustainable financial losses. By doing so, industry stakeholders can save lives and safeguard individuals from the detrimental effects of problem gambling.

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France’s gambling regulator, Autorité Nationale des Jeux (ANJ), has released its strategic plan for 2024-2026, focusing on a significant reduction in excessive gambling and the associated social damage. Three years after its establishment, ANJ has fully stepped into its role, closely monitoring the market to ensure licensed operators remain compliant.

The French Market Faces Rising Challenges

The first regulation phase under ANJ’s authority concluded in 2023, revealing a thriving gambling market with over €13 billion ($14.1 billion) in turnover, reflecting a growth of over 50% since the market opened in 2011. While gambling has become a widespread consumer product for people of all ages and backgrounds, it also poses risks necessitating the implementation of restrictive regulatory policies.

Despite notable progress by gaming operators in player protection, the prevalence of problem gambling remains significant. The ANJ acknowledges that in 2019, around 1.4 million players were at risk, with nearly 400,000 classified as pathological gamblers. Problem gambling constitutes more than 38% of the sector’s turnover, with 21% attributed to excessive gamblers alone.

The country struggles with black market operators leveraging the lack of regulated iGaming to exploit unwary players. The ANJ estimated that the illegal online gambling sector in France was between 5% and 11%, vowing to take action against this rising threat. The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has on France to regulate iGaming, noting this was the only way to solve this problem.

ANJ Has Ambitious Goals for the Coming Years

The new strategic plan from ANJ revolves around three key pillars:

1. Drastically Reducing Excessive Gambling: ANJ aims to significantly reduce the share and number of excessive gamblers within the gambling market. This objective requires coordinated efforts from operators and a balanced regulatory policy to strengthen the French model of the gambling market.
2. Fighting Against Illegal Gambling: The second pillar focuses on preserving the transparency and integrity of the sector, primarily through the fight against illegal gambling.
3. Strengthening Economic Dimension of Regulation: The third pillar emphasizes strengthening the economic dimension of regulation to understand market dynamics and provide solutions to current challenges.

The strategic plan’s success relies on sufficient scientific knowledge of the market and gaming practices to guide regulations. Dialogue and cooperation with other stakeholders and regulatory bodies are also necessary, enabling effective, exemplary public action. ANJ president Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin noted that the collaboration remained vital for achieving the regulator’s 2026 goals.

“Reducing the number of excessive gamblers and strengthening the protection of minors… can only be achieved if all stakeholders join forces alongside the regulator.”

Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin, ANJ president

The ANJ’s strategic plan represents a critical juncture for the French gambling market, aiming to strike a balance between openness and protection while addressing the social challenges associated with excessive gambling. The country remains beset by many gambling-related challenges, but the regulator’s confident approach raises high hopes for the coming years.

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Gambling is identified as a public health issue in Australia, considering that hundreds of millions of dollars are lost to the activity on a monthly basis. The growing popularity of gambling activities pushed lawmakers to take action and attempt to curb the rate of problem gambling and gambling harm by overhauling the existing regulations.

Now, a new inquiry by the Victorian Labor government urges the Commonwealth Government to implement meaningful changes to protect consumers from excessive gambling and harm.

The new 240-page document describes findings for the prevalence, harm and benefits of gambling and liquor, the regulation of gambling, the prevalence and harm of online gambling as well as reducing gambling harm. Besides detailed findings, the report outlines important recommendations, calling for robust changes to the established regulations with the ultimate goal of protecting the consumers.

Issued by the Public Accounts and Estimates Committee, the new report describes a worrying trend about the impact of sports betting and excessive gambling advertising, calling for changes to prevent and reduce gambling harm. Sarah Connolly MP, the Committee’s chair, wrote about the positive changes in Victoria involving the reduction of harm related to alcohol and gambling products. Yet, she warned that more needs to be done to protect communities across Victoria.

According to Connolly, the government needs to step up and implement further changes that safeguard users from gambling and alcohol-related harm. Overall, the new inquiry issued 61 recommendations that according to the Committee, can bring meaningful changes. “More appropriate regulations and safeguards are needed to protect Victorians, especially our children and young people,” wrote Connolly.

Restricting Primetime Gambling Advertising

The newly released report cited data from the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation, which revealed that in 2021, an average of 948 gambling ads were broadcast daily via free-to-air TV. During family viewing hours between 6 PM and 8:30 PM every weeknight, an average of 148 gambling ads were broadcast.

Considering this data, the inquiry recommended stricter rules for primetime gambling advertising. The inquiry proposed the implementation of rules such as the ones that were recently adopted by the South Australian Government.

When it comes to sports betting, the inquiry identified it as the “fastest growing form of gambling in Victoria and the fastest growing form of online gambling in Australia.” Citing data from the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office, the inquiry reiterated that more than AU$1.2 billion ($792.7 million) is lost to sports betting annually. Moreover, it warned that some 44% of the adults in Australia admitted to gambling on sports or racing in 2022.

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Spain’s national gambling regulator, The General Directorate of Gambling Regulation (DGOJ), announces a comprehensive governmental action aimed at prevention and mitigation of problem gambling in the country. The regulator also announces that the government has allocated a total of EUR 1.3 million to fund 26 projects to research into gambling harm in Spain.

Research Into Gambling Harm

The announcement follows the initiative of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs that launched the nation-wide application process in April 2023. The call for applications for 37 gambling-related research projects was distributed to universities, R&D centers, health care institutions, and non-profit organizations.

EUR 1.3 Million Available for 26 Projects

The authorities reportedly requested that submission be focused on gambling harm, as well as other adverse conditions related to gambling activities. The government reportedly allocated a total of EUR 1.3 million for 37 research projects but the Evaluation Commission reduced the number to 26 following the evaluation report of State Research Agency.

Spanish gambling regulator has also confirmed that the implementation of the approved projects will be extended until 30 June 2024.

DGOJ reportedly said:“These grants are aimed at carrying out research studies on disorders derived from gambling activity, with the prevention of the effects derived from said disorders or the risks associated with gambling.”

55.1% Increased Gaming Revenue in Q2 2023

The regulator’s confirmation of the number of research projects approved for funding by the government comes after this entity reported in September that the Spanish gambling market had generated EUR 312.6 million in gross gaming revenues in the second quarter of 2023. As reported by DGOJ on the occasion, the Q2 2023 revenue level represented a 55.1 percent higher figure than in 2022.

The increase was strongly supported by the casino segment that generated EUR 149.9 million, or around 48% of the total gambling market’s Q2 2023 revenues. The figure simultaneously represented a 27.9% increase when compared to the same period last year and a 4.5% growth over the Q1 2023.

Slot and roulette segments also recorded the increased revenue levels in comparison to the Q2 2022 to see 29.9% and, respectively, 8.9% higher levels in the given quarter of 2023.

However, the growth of the sports betting segment during the Q2 2023 saw the largest percentage. Spain’s sports wagering industry generated EUR €133.3 million in gross gaming revenues to stand for the 118.9% increase when compared to the same period of 2022.

The regulator also reported in September 2023 that the total handle was19.6% higher on the year-on-year basis but still 2.0% lower than in the Q1 2023. The increased handle resulted in 3.0% higher withdrawals than in the same period of 2022 and 2.3% lower than in the first quarter of 2023 that saw a respectively reduced handle.

Raising Awareness

The growth of the Spanish gambling industry raises the country’s economic benefits. In return, the government raises awareness of the gambling-related adverse consequences and allocates significant funds to alleviate their impact.

Source:

‘’Spain finalizes projects for €1.3m gambling harm research grant’’, igamingbusiness.com, November 3, 2023.

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GambleAware expressed reassurance following an independent study examining the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) scale. While the method has some limitations, it remains a valuable tool for estimating the potential risk of problem gambling among large groups. GambleAware retains its crucial role in the UK gambling industry as the country finalizes consultations on its White Paper.

The Data Highlights PGSI’s Most Effective Uses

The PGSI is a set of nine questions designed to assess gambling behavior and estimate the extent of gambling problems. While this method can effectively determine the scale of gambling issues, it was not originally developed as a clinical tool, causing ongoing debates regarding its effectiveness. To address this concern, GambleAware commissioned Ipsos UK to conduct an independent study.

The recently announced results, based on a dataset of over 21,000 people from the 2020 and 2021 Annual GB Treatment and Support Survey, revealed that the PGSI scale remains an effective tool for estimating the potential risk of gambling harm. Key findings include a strong and consistent connection between higher PGSI scores and increased rates of psychological distress. 

The scale can also be a valuable tool for integrating mental health interventions when treating individuals with high PGSI scores. According to the report, the standard nine-question test version should be used whenever possible, as it provides the most accurate results and can lead to effective and timely treatment.

Organizations Can Leverage This Information to Improve Their Services

GambleAware director of evidence and insights Haroon Chowdry was relieved that the PGSI scale proved its effectiveness in identifying different levels of harm. He noted that implementing improved use cases for the method could help evaluate problem gambling at the individual and population levels. Chowdry noted that collaboration remained paramount for effective treatment and urged other interested parties to use these recent findings.

We hope treatment services, clinicians, and policymakers will… make the best use of this scale to help those experiencing gambling harms.

Haroon Chowdry, GambleAware director of evidence and insights

According to Ipsos UK Research Director Steven Ginnis, the PGSI worked best along with other tools and methods to form a comprehensive diagnostic for individuals. He noted that not all people within the PGSI classification faced the same potential risks and urged organizations and charities to rely on it primarily for evaluating large groups.

These recent findings highlight GambleAware’s ongoing efforts to protect the UK populace from the dangers of gambling harm. The charity has achieved significant success in the past few years, collaborating with the government to mitigate the industry’s negative impact. Its dedication and valuable feedback will remain instrumental in shaping the UK gambling landscape.

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The opening of Bally’s casino in Chicago has brought excitement to the city, but this new high. History has shown that the expansion of gaming facilities in Illinois tends to correlate with a surge in individuals seeking treatment for gambling problems. While there hasn’t been an immediate influx of such cases since Bally’s opening, experts anticipate a steady rise in problem gambling cases.

More Bettors Mean Increased Exposure to Gambling Harm

The launch of Bally’s Chicago Casino has seen a strong start, attracting over 80,000 visitors in its first three weeks of operation. However, addiction treatment experts warn that the sudden influx of new gamblers could significantly impact local communities, pushing vulnerable individuals toward gambling harm. 

Anita Pindiur, executive director of Way Back Inn, a Maywood treatment center providing recovery programs for various addictions, explains that there is typically a time lag before an increase in clients seeking treatment becomes noticeable. For example, it took around six months for Way Back Inn to see a rise in clients following the opening of Rivers Casino in 2011.

The vast majority of people who go to the new casino will spend a little money… and then move on. But statistically, we know there are going to be some… who will need help.

Anita Pindiur, Way Back Inn executive director

Pindiur noted that more than a quarter of new clients seeking help at Way Back Inn had issues with sports betting, which was legalized under the same legislation that authorized the Chicago casino. As Bally’s Chicago ramps up operations, it is still uncertain how many individuals will require gambling addiction counseling.

Improved Accessibility Can Facilitate Addiction

Jeremy Klemanski, president of the nonprofit Gateway Foundation, also warned of the magnitude of the problem, stating that the rising number of gamblers set the foundation for a noticeable increase in individuals seeking help within a year. He added that the increased accessibility of gambling facilities made it harder for those with gambling issues to avoid triggers.

A 2021 state-commissioned study discovered that 3.8% of adults in Illinois, approximately 383,000 individuals, had a gambling problem. An additional 7.7%, roughly 761,000 people, were identified as being at risk of developing a gambling issue. These statistics suggest that there could be over 80,000 Chicagoans currently addicted to gambling, with even more at risk.

As Chicago’s new casino ushers in an era of increased gambling accessibility, the need for public awareness and robust support systems becomes more critical than ever. Treatment facilities and gambling harm prevention charities remain instrumental in mitigating the industry’s negative societal impact. These organizations cooperate with the State Department of Human Services to raise public awareness about gambling disorders and help vulnerable individuals.

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GambleAware, the United Kingdom’s leading gambling harm prevention and treatment charity, has published new gambling harm data maps. Detailing the level of gambling harms in Britain at local authority and parliamentary constituency level, the maps also highlight the usage of support and treatment.

According to GambleAware, its new maps were produced by PoliMapper. The charity said that they allow readers to see which areas of the country are experiencing more severe gambling harm problems. In addition, the maps show where there is more demand for gambling harm treatment and support services.

The maps visualize data from the Problem Gambling Severity Index, which highlights the levels of harm across Great Britain. As a result, the maps clearly communicate how many people are experiencing harm and which regions are more affected by gambling harm.

GambleAware Has a Localized Approach to Tackling Harm

The new maps reflect GambleAware’s approach to tackling gambling harm on a regional level. The charity believes that each community must have its own support communities, allowing locals seeking help to feel at ease.

This strategy is also reflected in the National Gambling Support Network (NGSN), which GambleAware operates. For reference, the NGSN operates within local communities and sees providers work with third and public sector organizations to deliver a localized person-centric approach for people who have been harmed by gambling.

In the meantime, GambleAware continues to increase its campaign activity across the United Kingdom. The charity currently seeks collaboration with local authorities to identify what people in different regions need and to make sure that they get access to the right treatment and support.

This localized approach sets GambleAware apart, highlighting its commitment to providing relief to harmed players. The charity urged harmed people or the loved ones of people harmed by gambling to seek GambleAware’s help.

GambleAware Continues to Protect the UK Market

Two months ago, GambleAware opened applications for a system stabilization fund. The charity explained that a part of the money would be used to stabilize the system of gambling harm prevention, support and treatment and help organizations across England, Scotland and Wales by providing them with monetary aid.

This followed the UKGC’s decision to create the aforementioned fund, committing £32.8 million to the charity. The fund seeks to provide organizations with the backing they need until the statutory levy discussed in the white paper has been properly implemented.

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In a significant move to address gambling harm in New South Wales (NSW), the state government has pledged $100 million in funding for initiatives and services to reduce the industry’s harmful effects on communities. This commitment is a part of the first Minns Labor Government Budget, reflecting their long-term dedication to combating money laundering, implementing gaming reforms, and mitigating the social consequences of gambling.

The $100 million injection will encompass various areas, covering the most pressing issues. The 2024-25 financial year will see gambling harm minimization initiatives and reforms receive $21.7 million annually for three years. The recently introduced gambling reform panel will select worthy initiatives and distribute these funds accordingly.

The second most substantial portion of the funding, $10 million, will bolster the Responsible Gambling Fund through the Office of Responsible Gambling. The extra capital will support GambleAware’s counseling and support services, awareness and education campaigns, initiatives like “Reclaim the Game,” and cutting-edge gambling research. These will hopefully provide long-term reductions in problem gambling rates.

An additional $6.4 million will enhance self-exclusion programs and introduce third-party exclusions in pubs and clubs, providing individuals with more tools to control their gambling habits. The remaining $3.4 million will help facilitate the upcoming 12-month cashless gaming trial at select venues, paving the way for broader reforms.

These Initiatives Form a Broader Agenda

Since its election in March, the Minns Labor Government has undertaken several significant steps to address gambling-related issues in NSW. These efforts include banning political donations from clubs involved in gaming, launching an independent panel to oversee a comprehensive cashless gaming trial, reducing cash input limits for new poker machines, reducing gaming machine entitlements, and banning external gambling-related signage.

This extra funding was possible due to the substantial fines imposed on Star Casino by the NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC). The financial boon to select initiatives should hopefully lead to a safer, more sustainable industry, offsetting the damage by the problematic operator. Such actions perfectly align with NSW’s rising focus on gambling harm prevention and will form the foundation for future changes.

This government has a clear focus and is committed to evidence-based reform.

David Harris, Minister for Gaming and Racing

Despite the NSW government’s efforts, years of ineffective regulations and lack of enforcement have caused significant gaming-related issues as gambling harm rates remain high. Remedying such deficiencies will be long and arduous, but recent initiatives show substantial promise. If the government remains steadfast with its planned reforms, it should achieve noticeable improvements.

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