Understanding the business versus care paradox in gambling venues: a qualitative study of the perspectives from gamblers, venue staff and counsellors

Ben J Riley,Sharon Lawn,David Smith,Malcolm Battersby,Michael Baigent,Simone Orlowski

doi:10.1186/s12954-018-0256-4

Ben J Riley, Sharon Lawn + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12954-018-0256-4

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Abstract

BackgroundIn recent years, greater emphasis has been placed on gambling venues to identify potential problem gamblers, respond appropriately and refer to treatment. In seeking the perspectives of problem gamblers, venue staff and treatment providers, this qualitative study investigates how problem gamblers experience being identified and referred for treatment by venue staff.MethodsA semi-structured interview guide focusing on experiences and perceptions of problem gambling identification and referral for treatment in gaming venues was used to conduct 4 focus groups and 9 semi-structured in-depth interviews. Participants comprised 22 problem gamblers, 10 gambling venue staff and 8 problem gambling counsellors. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim, and an interpretive phenomenological analysis was conducted.Results‘Role conflict’ was identified as a considerable source of stress for venue staff who described conflicting priorities in responding to problem gamblers whilst maintaining employer profit margins. Problem gamblers described offers of help from venue staff as hypocritical and disingenuous. Venue staff also described reluctance to make moral judgements through the identification of and engagement with problem gamblers, and gamblers described resentment in being singled out and targeted as a problem gambler. Being approached and offered referral to a counselling service was a rare occurrence among problem gamblers. This corresponded with reports by gambling counsellors.ConclusionsRole conflict experienced by gambling venue staff and patrons alike inhibits effective referral of potential problem gamblers into treatment. Reducing the need for gambling venue staff to make a perceived moral judgement about the gambling behaviours of specific patrons may improve the reception of responsible gambling information and promote help-seeking.

Highlights

In recent years, greater emphasis has been placed on gambling venues to identify potential problem gamblers, respond appropriately and refer to treatment
An estimated 2.5% of Australian adults experience moderate to severe problems caused by problem gambling (PG) [1]
This paper aims to address this gap by presenting a qualitative analysis from a sample of problem gamblers, gambling venue staff and gambling counsellors’ perspectives on the identification and response to PG in venues

Summary

Introduction

Greater emphasis has been placed on gambling venues to identify potential problem gamblers, respond appropriately and refer to treatment. In seeking the perspectives of problem gamblers, venue staff and treatment providers, this qualitative study investigates how problem gamblers experience being identified and referred for treatment by venue staff. Gaming room resources and staff interactions with gamblers may have important public health implications, as venue staff are among the first point of contact for individuals looking for help with gambling problems [1]. Frontline gambling venue staff could provide an important gateway to encourage problem gamblers to seek treatment and to facilitate referrals [9]. There has been increased interest in the degree to which gambling venue staff can identify problem gamblers and take an active role in intervening before further harm is endured [10]

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