As regulatory award-winners in responsible gambling, we don’t take consumer protection lightly at Kindred. In fact, we invest in expert research, both internally and externally, the results of which enable us to stay ahead of the game when it comes to problematic play. So, what are the latest findings?
Problematic play
The link between remote gambling and problematic play remains as much of an issue for gamblers as it is for operators. Two renowned researchers, Drs. Jonathan and Adrian Parke were commissioned by GambleAware to research how these risks can best be mitigated. In an in-depth report, Getting Grounded in Problematic Play, they analysed data relating to the gambling behaviours of 101 problem gamblers, followed up by interviews with 11 problem gamblers.
Key findings confirmed that the urge to win and the timing and nature of wins have different cognitive, emotional and practical implications on problem gamblers, making it so challenging to give up the addictive behaviour.
Loss chasing is part of problem gambling so many players endeavour to reduce the risks, at least temporarily, by taking breaks from gambling. But as soon as the urge to win returns, they can’t help but log back in. Risks re-escalate along with their pre-occupation with online gambling. Added to this, the 'cash-out' feature makes it easy for players to settle their bets early while 'live betting' gets them gambling more frequently and with fewer breaks.
It’s clear that operators therefore need to focus more on mitigating the risks of continuous play, and address the timing and delivery of breaks in play. Learn more out about Kindred's reality checks and other tools here.
Consumer Protection
GambleAware’s study: Analysing Consumer Protection for Gamblers Across Different Online Gambling Operators examines the gambling practices of 50 of the most advertised gambling websites.
It focuses on responsible gambling practices from dedicated responsible gaming pages; gambling warnings; references to gambling help organisations and self-assessment tests to responsible gambling tools; links to blocking software; customer service practices; and age verification at registration. A number of issues have emerged, including the need to verify the ages of players along with various customer services interactions. Another major finding is that 26% of the operators continue to send marketing promotions to players who were observed as possibly having a gambling problem.
Responsible gambling practices evidently continues to need fine tuning, customer protection being so vital to our business.
Anti-money laundering
Finally, Kindred has partnered up with BetBuddy, Playtech and City University of London for a three-year project to explore the use of artificial intelligence and the fight against money laundering. The white paper covers interviews with different stakeholders including representatives from Malta’s Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit as well as Playtech, Kindred Group, EPIC Risk Management, Malta Gaming Authority and the UK Gambling Commission. It makes key technical recommendations aimed at crime agencies, regulators and online gambling operators.
