Problem gambling and the addictive characteristics of gaming are something many people are aware of, but very few of them consider this their reality. The New Horizons in Responsible Gaming Conference that is currently in progress at the Parq Hotel and Casino in Vancouver has been providing its attendants with innovative problem gambling battling approaches, among which artificial intelligence and loyalty programs.
People struggling with gambling addiction are usually among the last people to notice the destructive tendencies and devastating casino habits. They need the support of experts that are trained in helping individuals facing the hardship of gambling addiction, but artificial intelligence might be useful as well. Algorithms could be used in this context to identify problematic behavior or tendencies that players fail to notice. Katy Yam of Element AI pointed out that this approach might be a successful one.
Gambling Addiction Is a Concerning Issue
Loyalty program members could have their gaming habits monitored for issues such as spending too much time gambling or participating in such too often. The information would be compared with existing data collected by previous gambling addiction cases when people have shown tendencies before participating in the British Columbia self-exclusion program.
The said programs rewarding loyal customers are often featured in casino venues. Patrons that are regular at a given venue and spend hours gaming on various devices across the gambling floor are often in for special perks and surprises that make their time there even more special. They feel valued by the casino management, which, in turn, makes them come back more often. The information collected by the said loyalty program could be used for more.
Players who had indicated their increasing interest in gambling by spending hours on end at the casino venue could receive a push notification suggesting that they could take some time off and possibly make their way to the GameSense areas available at any of the 17 British Columbia Lottery Corporation casino venues in the province. The friendly staff will talk to them about their attitude towards gaming.
Cannabis Impairment Should Be Monitored Too
The said kiosks have been installed at all casino venues licensed by BCLC, with recent expansion paving the way for these special areas in 18 Community Gaming Centers across the province. They aim to teach players healthy gaming habits and keep them in check. Eliminating the judgment element, they provide information and advice to anyone. Another important topic of conversation given the recent development was gambling while impaired by cannabis.
With cannabis conversation becoming louder across Canada, the casino field expressed concerns that alcohol impairment is unacceptable in their facilities, but what about cannabis. Toxicologist James Wigmore had thoughts to share on the subject. Casino venue management would have to take matters into their own hands when a player appears to be intoxicated by THC. They would not have the necessary devices for testing them, but visible signs could help.
The special conference also dedicated time for the problematic nature of loot boxes in video games that have taken over the world. Opinions on them abound, with people condemning them as gambling advertised to underage children and individuals brushing off all concerns. Gabriel Brooks, a clinical psychology doctoral student from the Centre for Gambling Research at UBC stated that there is an element of gambling and there should be regulation protecting players.
