"Responsible gaming is a positive. And that's where you want to encourage people, incentivize people, make it a good thing. There's always going to be stigma around addiction. But just like we celebrate someone who takes the keys from their friend to prevent them from driving home drunk… I want someone in my family or friend group to celebrate that I set a limit. We're not there yet, but I think we can get there." ~ Keith Whyte
SPONSOR’S MESSAGE - Zero Latency host Brad Allen is joined by EKG's director of policy Becca Giden to discuss:
Whether NJ's proposed tax rise will stick
Whether state budget deficits will encourage online casino legislation
A bad month for DraftKings in Texas
Listen to the episode here
In this week’s episode of the Straight to the Point Talking Shop Podcast, I’m joined by Keith Whyte, the former (that is strange to type) Executive Director of the National Council on Problem Gambling.
Keith recently embarked on a consulting career, after more than a quarter-century at the NCPG.
We covered a lot of ground, including incentivizing RG, drawing from examples like Massachusetts’ Play My Way program and Kentucky Lottery’s retailer training — including my “cheese-on-broccoli” analogy. That included one of the best ideas for bonusing I’ve ever heard:
"[It’s] another chance to get that message or incentive to set your bonus or incentive to set your limits or we’re going to give you a higher bonus or we’re going to blah, blah, blah. Whatever."
Keith discussed his 26-year tenure at NCPG and transition to consulting in responsible and problem gambling.
He reflected on the gambling industry’s evolution since 1998, noting recurring waves of legalization—such as sports betting and online poker—and their societal impacts.
Whyte emphasized the need for proactive collaboration to address gambling issues before they escalate into crises, citing the UK’s regulatory backlash as a cautionary tale.
The conversation explored the challenges of RG messaging, often overshadowed by PG focus due to regulatory mandates like helpline numbers on ads, which blur the line between prevention and intervention.
Keith and I are on the same page regarding innovative approaches, like using market-based research and focus groups with recreational gamblers—not just problem gamblers—to craft compelling, non-paternalistic messages.
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