Is a “responsible game” truly possible when discussing gambling? Or is it dangerous to talk about “responsible game” when referring to a behavior that can lead to addiction, often producing disastrous consequences at personal and family levels? We discuss this with Daniela Capitanucci, psychologist, psychotherapist, Grand Officer of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, and president of AND – Azzardo e Nuove Dipendenze APS, and Fabio Pellerano, professional educator and expert in the treatment of gambling disorder.
The Illusion of “Responsible Gaming”
What does the concept of “responsible gaming” imply when it comes to gambling? While Spain is drafting legislation to replace generic invitations to gamble responsibly with more explicit warnings about the real risks of addiction, prominent figures in entertainment and sports in Italy continue to advise us to “use our heads” and gamble responsibly. This tacitly labels those who lose control as irresponsible or unskilled.
This narrative places the blame squarely on the individual, ignoring the broader commercial ecosystem of the gambling industry. Many individuals struggle to stay within limits, and are then burdened with all the consequences.
Experiences on the Front Lines
Professionals in the field encounter numerous individuals deemed “irresponsible” by this narrative – people who work, have families, and strive for a dignified life. Some are baffled by how gambling transformed them, a slow slide into disinterest in everything except the next bet.
Were these people always irresponsible, or did gambling facilitate this change? Could the very design of gambling games play a role?
The Concrete Impact of the “Responsible Gaming” Paradigm
The chosen framework for understanding gambling significantly impacts policy. The “responsible gaming” model focuses on individuals, particularly “problem gamblers,” advocating for self-regulation to limit harm. This approach views addiction as a disease, emphasizing individual choice and consumer sovereignty. The onus is on the consumer to exercise restraint.
Interventions typically involve individual or group therapy and educational programs. Resources are channeled into treatment, education, and social marketing. Still, scientific literature suggests that “responsible gaming” tools have limited evidence-based effectiveness.
A Public Health Approach: Shifting the Paradigm
A more effective approach is to broaden responsibility beyond the individual to include the state, which regulates the industry, and the industry itself, which should prioritize mitigating negative consequences, even at the expense of profits. This aligns with a public health paradigm.
This model focuses on the entire population and the harms caused by gambling, not just the players. It emphasizes regulating systems, products, and the environment. The focus shifts to addressing the commercial, social, legal, political, and environmental determinants of health, rather than solely blaming the gambler.
Interventions Beyond Treatment
The public health approach requires a range of interventions, including limiting accessibility, controlling prices, addressing product characteristics, and restricting marketing and advertising. These interventions extend beyond the individual player, encompassing the wider community.
Resources are invested in treatment, but also in prevention, early intervention, and risk minimization. This approach has proven effective in areas like alcohol and tobacco control, and shows promise in addressing gambling harms.
What Needs to Be Done?
A radical shift in paradigm is urgently needed, prioritizing public health over profit. Political choices must limit gambling, rather than maximizing revenue for operators or the government, despite the collateral damage to society.
Without this change, we will continue to see increasing amounts of money wagered and a growing number of people harmed by gambling, ultimately impacting the entire community.
Health before profit.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the “responsible gaming” model? It focuses on individuals regulating their own behavior to minimize harm from gambling.
- What is the public health approach to gambling? It focuses on regulating the gambling environment and industry to protect the entire population.
- Is the “responsible gaming” model effective? Scientific literature suggests it has limited effectiveness.
- What are some interventions within the public health approach? Limiting accessibility, controlling prices, and restricting marketing are key interventions.
Did you know? The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy for gambling addiction is well-documented, but it has a high dropout rate.
Pro Tip: If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction, seek help from organizations like AND – Azzardo e Nuove Dipendenze APS.
What are your thoughts on the future of gambling regulation? Share your opinions in the comments below!
