Professor Mark Griffiths, a Chartered Psychologist and Director of the International Gaming Research Unit at Nottingham Trent University, has expressed concerns about the potential consequences of implementing strict affordability checks in the gambling industry. In an interview with affiliate OLBG, Griffiths cautioned that these checks, if too rigid, could lead gamblers to seek offshore alternatives, undermining regulatory efforts.
The Affordability Check Debate:
Affordability checks have been proposed as a means to prevent excessive gambling expenditure and protect vulnerable individuals.
The UK Gambling White Paper outlines thresholds for triggering affordability checks, such as a £125 net loss within a month or £500 net loss within a year, with stricter checks for larger losses.
Professor Griffiths’ Perspective:
While supporting the concept of affordability checks, Griffiths emphasizes the need for a nuanced approach. He believes that blanket financial limits may not be effective.
Griffiths points out that problem gambling rates have remained relatively stable at around 0.5% over the past two decades, with the latest figure at 0.3%. Most gamblers engage in gambling activities without experiencing problems.
The Risk of Offshore Betting:
Griffiths raises concerns that overly detailed affordability checks could deter gamblers from disclosing their financial information, leading them to bet with less reputable offshore operators.
He suggests that some bettors may turn to offshore platforms with fewer regulatory measures, exacerbating the problem rather than mitigating it.
Finding a Balanced Approach:
Griffiths advocates for a focus on determining how much an individual can afford to gamble, rather than imposing rigid financial limits.
He underscores the importance of avoiding measures that would drive gamblers towards unregulated offshore operators.
Professor Mark Griffiths underscores the need for a balanced approach to affordability checks in the gambling industry. While the intention to protect vulnerable individuals is commendable, overly strict checks could inadvertently lead to offshore betting, creating additional challenges for regulators and operators.