Dickerson shares his wisdom on responding to problem gambling
Mark Dickerson, a leading Australian researcher into gambling recently gave the conference summation presentation at the Insight Nova Scotia International Problem Gambling Conference held by the Nova Scotia Gaming Foundation in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
His presentation (available here) is a valuable dissection of the issues that need to be faced before an effective response to problem gambling can be developed.
There are some key points that he makes which are good advice to all in this field.
He emphasises that it is the process of selling gambling ie how it is presented rather than the fact that it is gambling or gaming machines which is the issue. Therefore he emphasises that the process of gambling in unethical and this is especially true with gaming machines but if other products were presented to consumers in this way they would also potentially be harmful.
He also advises that we need to avoid the politicisation of the gambling debate. This is difficult but we need to try and be objective and come up with solutions to the issue which are based on sensible, open debate that respects all and sundry regardless of their views which allow the community to get the greatest benefit. There may be winners and losers but it should not be at either extremity of the debate. This also means that total prohibition or total market freedom is not acceptable despite this being the views of various stakeholders.
He goes on to discuss some of the other key themes - that of consumer protection and the public health model applied to gambling impacts. These are two of the major areas of activity within the gambling service, action and research community worldwide. He gives his opinions on these areas which may upset some in the field although personally I believe that they are fairly accurate.
Dickerson has valuable knowledge in this area and has shared it in this presentation. It would be wise for those interested or employed in this area to listen even if they don't agree.
GG
