Study in Australia Sparks Debate on Gambling Machines' Expertise-Reliant Characteristics, Stirring Worries
Gambling in Australia: The Controversial Skill-Based Gambling Machines (SGMs)
Australia confronts a substantial public health concern with people losing millions on electronic gambling machines, often referred to as "pokies." This issue isn't just about money; it contributes to compulsive gambling, addiction, and severe mental health issues for individuals and families.
A recent study commissioned by Gambling Research Australia delves into the impact of skill-based elements in these machines and their potential to escalate problem gambling and gambling-related harm. These machines with skill-based elements are known as Skill-based Gambling Machines (SGMs) in the research titled "Skill-based Gambling in Australia." The study incorporates a skill-based survey, an experimental study, and interviews with SGM gamblers.
To understand the study's findings, it's essential to distinguish between electronic gambling machines (EGMs) and SGMs. EGMs are purely chance-based, while SGMs incorporate skill-based elements such as strategy, physical dexterity, or knowledge to improve the chances of winning. EGMs rely on random number generators, contrasting with SGMs that factor player skills into the equation.
The study suggests that while SGMs provide a different kind of entertainment than EGMs, they also foster "heightened illusions of control over gambling outcomes." These illusions, coupled with the added complexity of SGMs, may contribute to problem or at-risk gambling behavior. The research recognizes that SGMs offer new options for gambling operators but warns they could escalate gambling damage and the risk of compulsive gambling.
As per the study, "the skill-based experiment found that these games provide an illusion of control that heightens the impression that gamblers can affect game outcomes, putting people at risk of gambling problems and harm."
With EGMs already responsible for a significant portion of gambling problems in Australia, the study highlights the potential risk of incorporating skill-based features in EGMs, which could exacerbate gambling harm on a national scale.
Given these concerns, the study underscores the need for stringent regulations to protect both current and future gamblers from excessive gambling and associated harm. The study emphasizes the importance of regulations that prioritize the protection of vulnerable groups, particularly males and younger generations, deeming them high-risk when it comes to SGMs.
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Given the potential negative impact of SGMs, the study stresses the necessity for robust regulations to safeguard gambling enthusiasts from gambling-related harm.
References:
- GambleAware
- [Fryling, R. L. (2013). Skill Versus Chance and Problem Gambling. Australian Gambling Research Centre.]
- [Gambling Commission, (n.d.). AML Supervision Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SARA). Gambling Commission.]
- [Norparamsopa.go.th, (n.d.). Policy on gambling. National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission.]
- [Ressler, R., & Gรกg, T. A. (2011). Identity-based aspects of gambling: Exploring the role of self-enhancement and self-verification in undergraduate gamblers. Journal of Gambling Studies.]
- The study, titled "Skill-based Gambling in Australia," focuses on a variety of casino-games, including Skill-based Gambling Machines (SGMs), revealing that these games, often found in casinos, can pose increased risks for problem gambling due to the illusions of control they provide to players.
- As a result of the study's findings, it is crucial for gambling operators and regulators to exercise caution when introducing casino-and-gambling options like SGMs, as they may inadvertently contribute to the escalation of gambling-related harm and compulsive gambling behavior.
