The Atlantic Lottery Corporation’s online casino platforms for the Atlantic region could prove to be problematic for the local gamblers. This was determined by two reports officially commissioned by the Crown and compiled by the Responsible Gambling Council. The reports suggest that the current world order and the online gambling platform could impose serious risks to local gamblers.
The Crown agency has been looking for a while now to create an online gambling expansion for the Atlantic region by launching an online platform for the provinces. Last August one was introduced for New Brunswick which created public backlash since many believed the timing of the initiative was inappropriate considering the difficulties already caused by the unprecedented situation.
Imposing Risks
From the two reports, the Crown corporation has made the conclusion that no evidence has suggested that the launch of online casino wagering can have an effect on someone’s life. And that neither the problem has become more prevalent in other provinces where online gambling is already existent. The first report coming from gambling consultant Richard Wood has also supported the conclusion but still recognizing the potential risks.
On the other hand, the other report compiled by the RGC determined that a number of specific aspects can turn out to be problematic for vulnerable gamblers. The council has even provided some guidelines and recommendations to lower such risk factors. One of the risk aspects mentioned by the RGC is that access to online gambling is easy and constant, which is quite different from a land-based casino experience.
Another issue that was pointed out was that digital wagering used credit cards and other forms of digital currency. This can lead to players becoming digitally abstracted from the value of the money they are actually spending. The reports outlined that young adults and males to be among the two groups of higher risk probability and that compulsive gambling can lead to other issues like mental health and substance use.
Thankfully, the Crown agency has taken some measures in order to lower such potential risk to a lower occurrence rate. Staff members have received additional training. There is now a self-exclusion option on the website and there are daily time spending limits, along with a pop-up window every 60 minutes to remind players how much time has passed.
Another Questionable Decision
Previously, the Crown agency has been heavily criticized for its later promotion designed to bring new players into the gambling scene. The corporation has been giving away vouchers worth CA$20 of gambling credits for newly signed players to their platform. Over 409,314 vouchers have already been supplied to different Nova Scotia households. Concerns were raised as this would attract many people who would not be gambling if it wasn’t for the flyers.
Health Minister Zach Churchill has also voiced his discontent with the Crown’s CA$20 promotion. He stated that the gambling regulator has not consulted the health department on the matter and its effect it could have on individuals. However, Mr. Churchill, informed that the department offers a 24/7 support line for people who are experiencing or starting to experiencing such problem gambling disorders.
Source: Campbell, Kerry “Online gambling linked to risky behaviour, more harms, ALC-commissioned reports say”, CBC, April 23, 2021
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