PointsBet, the leading sportsbook for live betting, and the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) announced the launch of a research initiative centered around responsible gambling decision making for online gambling operators.

The objective of this work is to understand how various industry, government, and clinical stakeholders would respond to various scenarios in which a fictitious online betting customer demonstrates potentially problematic gambling behavior.

“With the rapid expansion of legalized sports betting across the US, a commitment to responsible gambling today will have a direct impact on the future health of players and sustainability of the industry,” said PointsBet USA CEO Johnny Aitken. “Navigating how to identify and address problem gambling is a complex and sensitive issue, and operators are regularly faced with how to best respond to customers who are exhibiting problematic gambling behavior. Through this research project, we’re aiming to gain more insights on the thought process that goes into finding solutions for those impacted by problem gambling as well as better help inform operator decision making on this matter.”

An anonymous and voluntary survey, designed by PointsBet in collaboration with NCPG and the Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health, will be issued to attendees of the National Conference on Gambling Addiction & Responsible Gambling 2022. The survey will showcase three fictional customers who are demonstrating potentially problematic gambling behavior. Those who opt in will be asked to take on the role of an operator and determine the best course of action for the customer based on the observed behavior.

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“Online gambling operators are required to provide various responsible gambling tools. These tools should be regularly reviewed and evaluated by stakeholders to ensure they are adequately serving customers,” said Keith Whyte, Executive Director of the National Council on Problem Gambling. “Our hope is that the results of this survey will spark dialogue amongst operators as well as regulators, treatment providers, researchers, and problem gambling advocates to help inform the responsible gambling decisions that online gambling operators face.”

Findings and analysis of the survey will be made available to all conference attendees and the general public in September 2022.