Striking a Balance Between Research, Gambling Reforms, and Economic Necessities

_{Dr. Sally Gainsbury spoke to Casinos.com about NSW’s cashless gambling trial and industry backlash. (Image: Courtesy of Dr. Sally Gainsbury)}

The New South Wales (NSW) government is confronting a significant challenge in response to a report advocating for cashless gambling, which includes 30 detailed recommendations. 

Opposition has arisen from various stakeholders, particularly the NSW Australian Hospitality Association, which has labelled the trial's research findings as "embarrassing." They warn of dire consequences, including potential job losses and the closure of land-based casinos. 

Premier Chris Minns spearheaded a cashless gaming trial aimed at addressing critical issues related to gambling harm and money laundering in online casino industry, as highlighted by the NSW Crime Commission. However, the trial has seen alarmingly low participation rates, with only 204 active customers engaging with the system. 

Concerns regarding privacy and perceptions of government overreach have significantly deterred prospective participants. Ongoing discussions between hospitality groups and harm prevention advocates are crucial, yet the trial has exposed a considerable divide in opinions among stakeholders, ranging from gambling prohibitionists to those heavily invested in poker machine profits. 

Dr. Sally Gainsbury Discusses Cashless Gambling Challenges

Dr. Sally Gainsbury, an esteemed academic specializing in gambling research and the Director of Australia’s only university-affiliated gambling treatment and research clinic, shared her insights into this complex issue. 

With over 20 years of research experience, Dr. Gainsbury leads a team at the University of Sydney’s Gambling Treatment and Research Clinic, focusing on understanding Electronic Gaming Machine (EGM) players. 

In our interview, Dr. Gainsbury emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts with various stakeholders, including industry representatives, government officials, and individuals affected by gambling. She stated that engaging directly with gamblers is essential for understanding the behaviours that need to be addressed.  

Dr. Gainsbury elaborated on the pressing need for policy-oriented research in NSW, particularly regarding the incorporation of account-based gambling systems. She explained, "By transitioning from anonymous gambling to an account-based model, we can enhance our ability to detect unusual transactions and promote harm minimization." 

Practical Implications of Account-Based Systems 

When asked about the practical implications of implementing account-based systems, Dr. Gainsbury provided a thorough response. She explained that such systems necessitate identity verification and the maintenance of a gambling account. 

Venues benefit from this approach, as it equips them to identify and intervene with customers displaying potentially risky gambling behaviours. 

Dr. Gainsbury highlighted, "This is crucial not only for harm minimization but also for ensuring responsible gambling practices." 

Differentiating Gambling Behaviours 

In response to questions about variations in gambling behaviours between EGM players and traditional casino patrons, Dr. Gainsbury noted that Australian gaming machines are prevalent in large venues that often resemble hybrid formats more than traditional land-based casinos. 

While her research has not specifically focused on direct comparisons between these settings, she acknowledged that social interaction, relaxation, and the allure of potential winnings motivate individuals differently depending on the environment. 

Dr. Gainsbury shared her positive experience with industry collaboration, stating, “The venue's CEO is proactive about driving a regulatory agenda and eager to understand more about their patrons and how to support them as regulations evolve. 

"It is encouraging to see industry leaders taking ethical considerations and consumer protection seriously.” 

Challenges in Integration of Mandatory Systems 

Given her team's research findings advocating for mandatory account-based systems paired with harm minimization tools, Dr. Gainsbury discussed potential integration challenges within casino operations. She noted that voluntary tools often experience limited uptake, as many gamblers are content with existing systems. Thus, it is essential that such interventions are mandatory and user-friendly. 

She remarked, "Significant effort should be directed towards educating individuals about the benefits and functionalities of these tools. 

"While tech capabilities vary across age groups, most gamblers are comfortable using digital platforms when adequately trained and supported." 

Dr. Gainsbury was keen to clarify that the focus is not solely on individuals with gambling problems but rather on the broader spectrum of everyday gamblers who regularly engage with gaming systems. 

A Balance to Be Struck on Complex Issues

Finally, when asked about gender and age differences in gambling behaviours among participants, Dr. Gainsbury indicated that the research did not uncover significant distinctions. However, she emphasized the need to understand the varying gambling behaviours across diverse demographics, suggesting that further qualitative research involving an array of populations and jurisdictions would be beneficial. 

Engaging multiple stakeholders, as highlighted by Dr. Gainsbury, remains critical in navigating these challenges and ensuring that reforms not only address the dire consequences of gambling harm but also recognize the industry's economic impact.