A recent report by Kindred, a leading online gambling operator, sheds light on the usage of responsible gambling tools by its UK customer base during the World Cup tournament held in Qatar. Contrary to common assumptions, the data indicates that there was no increase in customer harm detection during the event. Instead, the findings demonstrate a significant rise in the adoption of voluntary control tools, indicating a positive trend towards responsible gambling practices. This article explores the key insights from Kindred’s report, highlighting the notable increases in the utilization of these tools by both the general population and the under-25 demographic.
Overall Increase in Responsible Gambling Tools Usage:
Kindred’s data reveals a remarkable surge in the adoption of voluntary control tools by its UK customers during the World Cup. In the third quarter of 2022, 45% of the customer base utilized at least one responsible gambling tool. However, over the past 90 days, including the World Cup period, this figure soared to 57%, representing a significant 185% increase compared to Euro 2020. These statistics highlight a growing awareness and acceptance of responsible gambling practices among UK bettors.
Promising Results for Under-25s:
The report also highlights the positive trend in responsible gambling tool usage among the under-25 demographic. Often a focus of concern in discussions surrounding gambling-related harm, this group showed promising results. In Q3 2022, 40% of under-25 customers employed at least one voluntary control tool. During the World Cup, this percentage surged to 58%, marking a substantial 346% increase from Euro 2020 when only 14% of individuals in this age bracket utilized such tools. These findings indicate a proactive approach by younger bettors to protect themselves and engage in safer gambling practices.
Debunking Misconceptions:
Tom Banks, Head of Corporate Affairs at Kindred, emphasizes that the company is committed to ensuring its customers’ well-being and preventing gambling-related harm. He refutes claims that problem gambling is in the industry’s interest or that a significant portion of revenue is derived from problem gamblers. These assertions lack factual foundation and hinder efforts to address the underlying issues. Banks argues that while the gambling landscape is evolving rapidly, there remains a lack of evidence in the ongoing debate, leading to misleading headlines and false assumptions about problem gambling rates during major events like the World Cup.
Kindred’s report provides valuable insights into the responsible gambling landscape during the World Cup tournament. The data demonstrates a substantial increase in the utilization of voluntary control tools among UK customers, indicating a positive shift towards responsible gambling practices. Moreover, the results for the under-25 demographic are particularly encouraging, suggesting an increased awareness of the importance of responsible gambling among younger individuals. By debunking misconceptions and highlighting the commitment of industry leaders like Kindred to promoting player well-being, we can foster a safer gambling environment for all