In November last year, the Responsible Gambling Trust announced a landmark programme of research into high stakes gaming machines.
The organisation, which commissions research, education and treatment services in response to a national responsible gambling strategy, is keen to avoid wading into the discussion about fixed-odds betting terminals that has occupied many a column inch in the UK press over the past 12 months, distancing itself from what chief executive Marc Etches described as a debate too often undermined by self-interest. Instead, the Trust’s research is set to investigate consumer behaviour relating to all Category B gaming machines, that is those machines with the highest stakes and prizes which are found in casinos, betting shops, bingo halls and adult gaming centres.
“Our overall aim is to understand better how people behave when playing on all Category B gaming machines and what helps people to stay in control and play responsibly,” explained Etches.
This new project is the largest programme of academic research into gaming machines ever undertaken in the UK. Etches stressed the importance of the Trust’s independence, noting that even though the organisation is funded by donations from the gambling industry, when it comes to research it is “kept at arms length.”
“The governance arrangements that we are putting in place will ensure that everyone can have absolute confidence in the independence and objectivity of the research process,” he said.The Trust has raised £5m to fund research, education and treatment services again this year and this week’s ICE show provides an opportunity to network and build new relationships, all the while reinforcing the organisation’s presence within the sector.
“I absolutely respect that it is a week for businesses to conduct business, and for sharing the latest technologies and innovations to the wider industry,” Etches said. “I’m not going to be going around with a charity tin!” Instead, the event provides a forum for the whole industry to discuss the key issues it faces.
“I’m genuinely interested in what is happening within the sector,” he continued. “I’m always struck by those outside the industry who are surprised by the size and vibrancy of what the industry has to offer. Public attention is often drawn to only controversial issues and that’s a real shame. Gambling is a legitimate and popular leisure activity and the industry’s record of support for those who do suffer with problems is a good one and perhaps ought to be more celebrated."
