Andrew Rhodes, CEO of the Gambling Commission, has penned an open letter addressing the issue of the misrepresentation of statistics in gambling coverage. The letter comes in the wake of the UK Government’s White Paper on gambling regulation, which has sparked significant public and media attention. Rhodes highlights the confusion between problem gambling and gambling-related harm and underscores the need for accurate statistics to drive informed discussions in this important sector.
The Distinction Between Problem Gambling and Gambling-Related Harm:
Rhodes emphasizes the distinction between problem gambling and gambling-related harm, two separate but interconnected issues. Problem gambling refers to the disruption or deterioration of personal, family, and recreational aspects of life and is typically measured using the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). On the other hand, gambling-related harm encompasses a broader range of negative impacts on individuals, families, communities, and society as a whole.
The Prevalence of Misused Statistics:
Rhodes points out that the Gambling Commission has observed a significant amount of misused statistics across various sectors, including gambling operators, trade bodies, charities, media outlets, and sporting venue owners. In particular, statistics related to the rate of problem gambling have been frequently misrepresented, leading to confusion and misinformed discussions.
A New Gambling Survey for Greater Clarity:
To facilitate a clearer distinction between problem gambling and gambling-related harm, a new gambling survey for Great Britain will be launched alongside the PGSI. This survey aims to provide more accurate and nuanced data for stakeholders and the public to better understand the complexities of gambling-related issues.
The Way Forward:
Rhodes emphasizes that the Gambling Commission will initially give the benefit of the doubt, assuming that any misrepresentation of statistics is unintentional. However, if a party refuses to correct inaccurate information following a request from the Commission, the Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR) may become involved. Rhodes concludes by highlighting the complexity of the gambling landscape and the importance of using statistics accurately to foster informed discussions.
Andrew Rhodes’ open letter serves as a reminder of the critical role that accurate statistics play in discussions surrounding gambling regulation and its societal impacts. By addressing the misuse of statistics and promoting a clearer understanding of problem gambling and gambling-related harm, the Gambling Commission aims to contribute to more informed and productive conversations in the field of gambling.