Have We Lost the Plot?

It’s Responsible Gambling Education Month (RGEM), which explains the uptick in RG content – in this newsletter and across the gambling universe. I promise this one is different.

Earlier this month, I highlighted a terrific article from Alan Feldman (along with some of my thoughts on the subject), who proposed several ideas to improve responsible gambling research. Earlier this week, I called for a principle-based approach.  Today, I want to examine the current landscape as I see it.

In the words of Frank Constanza, “I’ve got a lot of problems with you people.” So consider this a constructive airing of grievances. An uncomfortable but necessary conversation that is long overdue.

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Sometimes, a Win Isn’t a Win

The best way to describe many responsible gambling gains since 2018 is “necessary, but not sufficient,” a phrase I jotted down a while back but can no longer find the source, so apologies to whoever said it.

By necessary, I mean the measures in place have long been woefully inadequate. It is not sufficient in that there is more work to be done.

Before legal sports betting shined a massive spotlight on the glaring holes in policy, messaging, research, and funding, advocates were happy to have conversations and seek common ground. They were operating from the principle of reducing harm and working with the industry to create change.

That has changed.

Advocates have racked up many wins post-PASPA repeal, and suddenly, the common ground only exists under their feet. The conversations have turned into demands and shaming operators for following the rules and regulations RG-PG advocates feel don’t go far enough.

After years of being treated like Monsieur Coquenard’s clerks, they are now a Porthos-like guest of honor. And like the gluttonous musketeer, they are never satisfied and constantly ask for more.

Every study concludes with a note that more studies are required. Every bit of funding is called a first step. Every new policy (no matter how ridiculous) is lauded. Every talking point delivered is instantly adopted and shared wide and far. Every transgression is a sign of an underlying and more pervasive problem. Every (overly expensive) training requires, you guessed it, another training.

And honestly, what have we learned? What measurable progress has been made in reducing harm? Is anyone even measuring?

Opinion As Fact

One of the points Feldman made was the need for a consensus around terms. One recent example is the new argument that 18-year-olds are not adults. This is a conversation that has been thrust into the spotlight because Kentucky’s sports betting law is 18+. Some operators have set their minimum age at 21, and some at 18.

Rather than an honest discussion about the 18 or 21 gambling age, we get phrases like “race to the bottom.”

Per one of the most respected researchers in the field, “Bet365 misses a major responsible gambling opportunity with Kentucky sportsbook app for 18-year-olds. Risking a race to the bottom and cross-border betting, this major international operator should have higher standards in supporting adult-only betting.”

I’m not against 21+ gambling, but the idea that it’s a race to the bottom (a talking point I loathe) and the age of adulthood is actually 21 is a memo I apparently didn’t receive. Many locales have 18+ betting, including almost every state lottery and most of Europe.

Adult-only betting, meaning 21+, is interesting and something I wrote about previously. When these statements are thrown around, I wonder how the 19-year-old parent, the 18-year-old in prison, or the 20-year-old stationed overseas views adulthood and their ability to place a sports bet in Kentucky.

I can get behind the idea of shifting gambling to 21+, but is 18+ a race to the bottom?