Caesars Entertainment’s shareholders are apparently not on board with a recent proposal to study the effects of smoke-free casinos. While activists continue to fervently promote the idea of smoke-free casinos, citing health-related concerns, gambling companies and their investors remain obstinate in maintaining the status quo.

The proposal was filed by public health and labor advocates from the Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation and healthcare provider Trinity Health. The aforementioned organizations suggested that implementing a non-smoking policy across Caesars’ 52 properties in the United States could help the company save up money.

However, approximately 80% of Caesars’ shareholders voted against the proposal, following Caesars’ claim that change isn’t needed. For context, the casino operator described its smoking policy as a “complex business decision” and added that it currently complies with local regulations.

Caesars further explained that it doesn’t believe compiling a report on the effects of smoke-free casinos wouldn’t be an “effective use of company resources.”

Smoke-Free Activists Are Encouraged to Continue the Fight

While the proposal was rejected, its proponents said that they were encouraged by the support it received and plan to bring it back in 2025. For context, almost 19% of Caesars’ shareholders voted in favor of the support, sparking hope about the future of smoke-free casinos.

Paula Larson-Schusster, president of United Auto Workers Local 3555 and dealer at Caesars’ Flamingo casino hotel in Vegas, said that the support represents a “forward move.” She added that companies will not be convinced to go smoke-free easily but added that the proposal was but the first step in raising awareness on the matter.

Larson-Schusster was firm that a smoke-free policy would not hurt casino companies’ product but would actually make it more valuable.

Indoor smoking continues to be one of the hot topics of the American casino industry. Many states exempt casinos from the indoor smoking ban, allowing them to dedicate a portion of their gaming area as a smoking zone.

However, proponents of banning smoking at casinos argue that this exposes casino workers to high levels of unhealthy smoke and can potentially lead to health complications.

While casino companies fear that going smoke-free could deal a blow to their profits, supporters of this change point out that there are already casinos that prohibit smoking without seeing a decline in profits.

The multi-front war on smoking also continues in states such as Pennsylvania where CEASE and UAW recently asked lawmakers to end the loophole that allows casinos to offer indoor smoking.

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Marking a groundbreaking move toward Thailand’s trials to address the highly-debated topic of gambling legalization, the Finance Ministry will take the lead on an important study exploring the potential legalization of casino gaming. 

16 Additional Agencies to Consider the Study

As ordered by way of an “urgent letter” sent by the Secretariat of the Cabinet at the start of the week, the Finance Ministry will thoroughly examine the House of Representatives study alongside 16 other agencies, which it will also lead. 

The list will include the National Economic and Social Development Council, the Office of the Council of State, the Royal Thai Police, and the National Office of Buddhism.

Several ministries will also be consulted, including Social Development and Human Security, Tourism and Sports, Justice, Agriculture and Cooperatives, Higher Education Science Research and Innovation, Transport, Culture, Labour, Public Health, Industry, and Education.

According to English-language outlet The Nation, the Secretariat of the Cabinet gave the Ministry 30 days to send its recommendations.

IAG reports say that the casino study received approval from the cabinet a week ago after the House passed it at the end of March. 

Recommended 17% Tax on GGR

The casino study advises a 17% tax should be placed on gross gaming revenue. This would turn it into one of the lowest tax regimes in the area. 

Licenses would be valid for 20 years at first, with the possibility to renew them every five years. 

Locals would need to pay an entry levy of an amount that has yet to be determined. 

Larger casino complexes would require minimum investments of $2.7 billion.

Last week, when the cabinet endorsed the study, it also recommended a series of joint investments between private operators and the Thai government, similar to Macau’s concession model. 

The cabinet also suggested that integrated resorts should be located near international airports for the comfort of international visitors.

According to a note from Maybank, the country might see its first integrated resort open in 2029. 

This would translate to Thailand legalizing casino gaming before Japan where MGM Resorts International’s $10 billion integrated resort development in Osaka is expected to be completed in 2023.

At the start of April, Thailand announced it blocked over 25,000 online gambling platforms since October 2023, in an ongoing crackdown on unlicensed online gambling. 

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A recent study conducted by the University of Massachusetts Amherst reveals that the introduction of casinos in Massachusetts has not led to a surge in problem gambling, contrary to some expectations. 

UMass Research Shows Slight Decrease in Problem Gambling

The findings, presented to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, indicate that despite the proliferation of gambling opportunities, the prevalence of problem gambling remained relatively stable.

The study, led by Rachel Volberg, a research professor at UMass Amherst, compared data collected before and after the opening of three major casinos in the state. Surprisingly, the results showed that the rate of problem gambling actually decreased slightly from 2% in 2013 to 1.4% in 2021 among the adult population aged 18 and over.

Volberg highlighted the impact of COVID-19 on gambling behavior, noting that restrictions imposed during the pandemic reduced overall gambling activity. However, even before the pandemic, the study found no significant increase in problem gambling despite the establishment of new casinos.

Volberg explained that they had hypothesized that exposure to casinos in neighboring Connecticut might mitigate any potential rise in problem gambling. She added that it was reassuring to see their hypothesis confirmed.

At-Risk Gamblers’ Concerns Highlighted in UMass Study

The study also revealed a decline in out-of-state casino patronage, with only 10.2% of respondents in 2021 reporting gambling outside of Massachusetts, compared to 21.5% in 2013. This suggests that the casinos succeeded in keeping more gambling revenue within the state, as intended by the 2011 Expanded Gaming Act.

However, there are concerns regarding the financial impact on at-risk gamblers, who show signs of potential gambling problems but are not yet classified as problem gamblers. The study noted that the proportion of gambling expenditures coming from at-risk gamblers increased significantly, highlighting the need for early intervention and support mechanisms.

Jordan Maynard, interim chair of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, emphasized the importance of raising awareness about available resources for problem gambling. The study found a significant gap in public awareness of support services, indicating a need for improved outreach efforts.

Despite the overall stable rates of problem gambling, public perception of the gambling industry in Massachusetts has shifted. More residents now believe that gambling is too widely available, with 67.5% expressing this concern in 2021 compared to just 15.6% in 2013.

The study, funded by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, surveyed over 6,000 adults to provide a comprehensive analysis of gambling trends in the state. While the findings offer reassurance regarding problem gambling rates, they also underscore the importance of continued monitoring and proactive measures to address potential harms associated with gambling.

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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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Connecticut recently released a comprehensive study revealing intriguing insights into the state’s gambling landscape. The research, conducted by Gemini Research and led by University of Massachusetts professor Rachel Volberg, indicates that only 10% of Connecticut residents engage in sports wagering or online games. However, betting trends revealed that the state faces familiar gambling addiction issues.

State Authorities Gained Valuable Data

The Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services commissioned the study, investing $1.2 million to assess the socioeconomic impacts of legalized gambling, meeting a mandate from the General Assembly. The report, posted online without comment, is expected to serve as a valuable resource for policymakers and stakeholders in the gambling industry.

This study marks the first comprehensive gambling impact assessment since the legalization of sports betting and iGaming. Surprisingly, introducing regulated sports wagering had a relatively modest impact on wagering behaviors. Data indicates that 8.2% of residents were already betting on sports in 2009 when sports betting was illegal, emphasizing that the activity was prevalent even before legalization.

The legal availability of gambling is only partly responsible for the current rate of problem gambling, as people with gambling problems existed to some extent prior to legal provision.

Gemini Research study on Connecticut legalized gambling

According to the study, problem gambling rates in Connecticut, standing at 1.8%, align with the national average. The report notes that problem gamblers are individuals with impaired control over their gambling, leading to significant negative consequences for themselves or others. At-risk gamblers, comprising 4.9%, display symptoms similar to problem gamblers or engage in high-stakes gambling.

Observed Trends Can Aid Player Protection Efforts

Although constituting less than 2% of the population, problem gamblers are responsible for a staggering 51% of sports betting revenue and contribute significantly to overall legalized gambling revenue in the state. The report suggests that nearly 71% of all legal gambling revenue derives from the approximately 7% of residents categorized as problem or at-risk gamblers.

The study also sheds light on the effectiveness of Connecticut’s preventive measures and treatment programs for problem gambling. While treatment programs are deemed sufficient to meet demand, the report suggests additional outreach efforts to overcome detrimental factors like stigma and lack of awareness that deter individuals from seeking timely help.

Problem gambling treatment and prevention in Connecticut has been quite proactive and provides a good model for the rest of the country.

Gemini Research study on Connecticut legalized gambling

Connecticut’s gambling market has witnessed significant changes, with the saturation of regional casinos and the advent of online gambling. As the state navigates this evolving landscape, the study’s findings will likely play a crucial role in shaping future policies and initiatives related to legalized gambling and tackling emerging issues.

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A recent study has challenged the long-held belief that online gaming poses a threat to brick-and-mortar casinos. Commissioned by the iDevelopment and Economic Association (iDEA Growth) and conducted by Eilers & Krejcik Gaming (EKG), the study suggests that far from cannibalizing traditional casino revenue, online gaming might actually be enhancing it.

Online Gaming Boosts Brick-and-Mortar Casino Revenue by 2.44%

The study, titled “Comparing Online and Land-based Casino Gaming,” presents compelling evidence indicating that the introduction of online gaming has a positive impact on the performance of brick-and-mortar establishments. 

Jeff Ifrah, founder and general counsel of iDEA Growth, emphasized the significance of these findings, stating that online gambling serves as a catalyst for growth rather than a competitor to land-based casinos.

According to the report, states that have embraced online gaming have experienced notable increases in quarterly revenue. The study suggests that the implementation of iGaming in the six US states where it is regulated results in an average quarterly revenue increase of 2.44%. 

EKG’s team of economists and industry experts analyzed data from those six US states, comparing their growth rates with those of states exclusively reliant on land-based casinos. Surprisingly, five out of the six states with legal online gaming surpassed their land-based counterparts in revenue growth.

Online Gaming Rescues Declining Casino Markets, Study Reveals

Matt Kaufman, Managing Director of EKG, emphasized the substantial benefits observed in casino markets that have integrated online gaming. He pointed out that while many states with traditional casino markets have seen declines in recent years, those that have introduced online gaming have witnessed a flattening or even a return to growth in revenue.

The study’s methodology involved a thorough examination of data spanning 16 years, providing a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between online and land-based gaming. It dispels concerns that online gaming would divert patrons from physical casinos, suggesting instead that it attracts a different demographic of players, thus broadening the customer base.

Furthermore, the report highlights the distinct characteristics of online and land-based casino patrons. While online gaming tends to appeal to a slightly younger demographic, with shorter average visit durations, traditional casinos attract a broader age range and offer a more immersive, longer-lasting experience.

As legislative bodies across various states, including Alabama, Indiana and Wyoming, deliberate on the legalization and regulation of online gaming, these findings offer valuable insights. They challenge the conventional wisdom surrounding the relationship between online and traditional gaming establishments, paving the way for a more nuanced understanding of their coexistence and mutual benefit.

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A new study funded by the Australian Research Council found that children as young as 12 expressed concerns about the impact of celebrity endorsements on promoting gambling as safe, attractive, and fun. Researchers from Deakin, Wollongong, and Curtin universities noted that the results highlighted the need for strict advertising restrictions to protect the next generation from potential gambling harm.

Children Noted That Influencers Hold Significant Sway

The research, which included interviews with 64 children from New South Wales and Victoria, found that influencers, including celebrities like former basketball player Shaquille O’Neal, were believed to make gambling more appealing to young audiences. The participants expressed the view that influencers on social media, particularly platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, had a significant impact on their peers.

Many participating youth were aware of the difference between advertisements and reality but expressed concern regarding the effects of gambling endorsements on their peers. A 15-year-old boy noted that some ads created the impression that gambling could lead to an improved lifestyle or appearance, potentially causing some individuals to try mimicking them.

I think you kind of get shown a bit of their lifestyle and think that if you can win like they are, then you can have that lifestyle that they’re living in the ads.

Australian Research Council study participant

While most children displayed some weariness regarding gambling, some of the younger participants admitted that their favorite celebrities could influence their decisions. One 12-year-old boy stated that if their favorite idol, YouTuber, Instagrammer, or TikToker were gambling, it would be a compelling enough reason to try.

Australia’s Gambling Woes Will Likely Continue

In light of these findings, the researchers emphasized the importance of implementing comprehensive advertising restrictions to protect young people from the potential harms associated with gambling. The study’s authors urged the federal government to consider the concerns raised by the children and take them seriously. These observations match the rising gambling addiction rates in the country, further highlighting this growing issue.

Dr Hannah Pitt, one of the study authors from Deakin University, emphasized the effectiveness of celebrity endorsements among younger audiences and the need to address the portrayal of gambling in a more balanced manner, showing both positives and potential harms. However, implementing such measures requires strong political will, which Australia often finds lacking.

They were concerned that young people would look up to these celebrities and make them believe that gambling was a normal thing to do.

Dr Hannah Pitt, Deakin University

Professor Samantha Thomas, another study author, highlighted the skepticism among young people regarding government action due to the perceived political influence of the gambling industry. January’s revelations regarding private discussions between the government and vested interest groups regarding the fate of gambling advertising bans cast further doubt that Australia can push through with its much-needed reforms.

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A new survey conducted by the international online research data and analytics technology group with a mission to offer an ongoing stream of “accurate data and insight into what the world thinks,” YouGov, has revealed women’s sports as being equally attractive for both male and female bettors. 

The study received funding from sports data and analytics company, StatsPerform, and Women’s Sports Group, the advisory company that advances the global rise of women’s and men’s sports by offering outstanding sports advisory and negotiation expertise.

Bettors Looking for More Betting Options on Women’s Sports

Another critical highlight of the study aimed at UK respondents regards bettors’ enhanced interest in being given additional opportunities to wager on women’s sports. 

More than 60% of female bettors and 46% of male bettors who were acquainted with betting on women’s sports expressed a desire to be offered more opportunities to bet on women’s soccer.

The survey assessed responses received in August 2023 from 2,500 male and 2,500 female bettors.

Approximately 60% of male and female sports bettors who placed wagers at least once a month stated they were actively watching or following women’s sports. 

At the same time, 81% of male bettors and 96% of female bettors who watch women’s sports said they were also interested in men’s sports.

Nine out of 10 male and female bettors expressed their desire to watch women’s sports in the upcoming year. 

Women’s Soccer in the Lead 

As for the most popular sports mentioned by respondents, women’s soccer ranked among the top four sports watched by both male and female sports bettors. 

A discrepancy in betting behaviors was also revealed by the survey. Around 85% of male bettors watch and wager on men’s soccer, but only 23% of them bet on women’s soccer. 

Similarly, 72% of female bettors also wager on men’s soccer while only 26% place bets on the same sports. 

Similar figures 23% like the ones recorded for bets on women’s football were recorded by bets on men’s tennis, cricket, rugby, and boxing.

When inquired about the arguments why they do not bet on women’s soccer, 38% of male sports bettors said they never considered it whereas 34% of male respondents used the “lack of knowledge” argument as the main reason. 

Moreover, two-thirds of female bettors who are actively interested in women’s sports are 45 or younger. 

Last July, a YouGov study conducted on behalf of GambleAware assessed the way gambling ads viewed at a younger age can impact gambling habits later on in life.

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Sweden’s iGaming trade association, BOS, has published a new study on public views and misconceptions about the country’s gambling sector. Conducted by the research firm Novus, the survey analyzed Swedes’ attitudes toward and ideas about the industry.

The survey, commissioned by BOS, saw Novus question 1054 participants online, inquiring about their perceptions of Swedish gambling. The firm reported that 57% of these people described themselves as active gamblers, while 41% insisted that they never gamble.

BOS also learned that 1% of respondents gambled daily or almost daily, 15% gambled at least once a week and 15% gambled at least once a month.

When asked about gambling advertising, 72% of the survey participants said that they think gambling advertising has increased since the re-regulation of the Swedish market in 2019. However, some 58% wrongly assume that the gambling industry is the biggest advertiser in the country.

Speaking of advertising, 32% of Swedes do not like seeing gambling sponsorships in professional sports. Furthermore, 73% are opposed to gambling advertisements that feature celebrities.

The Misconceptions Prompt Calls for Tougher Regulation

In addition to the misconceptions the Swedish public has about the industry’s ad share, it also believes that approximately 23% of the entire population of Sweden has gambling problems. In fact, data shows that the people suffering from addiction and those at risk are roughly 4% of all Swedes.

In addition, players assume the return to player rate is much lower than it actually is. While Swedish companies offer RTP of roughly 95%, consumers believe that companies return only 21% of bets.

BOS believes that these misconceptions are very serious and show that the public is not properly informed about how the sector functions. Gustaf Hoffstedt, BOS’ secretary general, said that it is the trade body’s job to inform the public about how things really are.

Hoffstedt also pointed out that these misconceptions are a part of the reason why so many people believe that the Swedish market is in need of tougher regulations. According to him, it is also in the industry’s interest to better inform people about the actual problem gambling rates in the country.

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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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