Abstract
Many international jurisdictions have introduced responsible gambling programs. These programs intend to minimize negative consequences of excessive gambling, but vary considerably in their aims, focus, and content. Many responsible gambling programs lack a conceptual framework and, in the absence of empirical data, their components are based only on general considerations and impressions. This paper outlines the consensus viewpoint of an international group of researchers suggesting fundamental responsible gambling principles, roles of key stakeholders, and minimal requirements that stakeholders can use to frame and inform responsible gambling programs across jurisdictions. Such a framework does not purport to offer value statements regarding the legal status of gambling or its expansion. Rather, it proposes gambling-related initiatives aimed at government, industry, and individuals to promote responsible gambling and consumer protection. This paper argues that there is a set of basic principles and minimal requirements that should form the basis for every responsible gambling program.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
American Psychiatric Association (APA). (2004). The diagnostic and statistic manual of mental disorders––4th edition, text revision. Washington D.C.: Author.
Blaszczynski, A., Ladouceur, R., Nower, L., & Shaffer, H. (2008). Informed choice and gambling: Principles for consumer protection. The Journal of Gambling Business and Economics, 2, 103–118.
Blaszczynski, A., Sharpe, L., & Walker, M. (2001). The assessment of the impact of the reconfiguration of electronic gambling machines as harm minimisation strategies for problem gambling. University Printing Service: The University of Sydney Gambling Research Unit.
LaPlante, D. A., Nelson, S. E., LaBrie, R. A., & Shaffer, H. J. (2008). Stability and progression of disordered gambling: Lessons from longitudinal studies. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 53(1), 52–60.
Loo, J. M. Y., Raylu, N., & Oei, T. (2008). Gambling among the Chinese: A comprehensive review. Clinical Psychology Review, 28, 1152–1166.
National Opinion Research Center. (1999). Gambling impact and behavior study: Report to the national gambling impact study commission. University of Chicago: National Opinion Research Center.
Productivity Commission. (1999). Australia’s gambling industries. Canberra: Commonwealth of Australia.
Productivity Commission. (2009). Productivity draft report. Canberra: Commonwealth of Australia.
Acknowledgements
This paper is the result of a 2 day meeting held in the United States (February 2009) where all the authors (in alphabetical order) participated in a discussion about defining the minimal requirements for a responsible gambling program. The following granting agencies supported the travel and lodging expenses of the participants: Responsible in Gambling Trust (UK), Commission des Lotteries et Paris (Switzerland), Institute for the Study of Commercial Gambling (Macau) and Fond de Soutien aux Professeurs (Université Laval, Canada). The authors did not receive any honorarium for their participation.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Blaszczynski, A., Collins, P., Fong, D. et al. Responsible Gambling: General Principles and Minimal Requirements. J Gambl Stud 27, 565–573 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-010-9214-0
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-010-9214-0