The Gambling Commission have recently commissioned and published a literature review which is intended to improve the understanding of both the arguments for, and against, the introduction of cashless and card-based technologies in the reduction of problem gambling and the promotion of more responsible gambling. The commissioned review identifies all of the current and all of the emerging cashless and card-based technologies, and also their regulation. It also identifies the current research into the topic and further commissioned research which will take place in the near future. It also then makes a number of recommendations for what may be useful avenues for future research. The research study was undertaken by Dr Jonathan Parke from the University of Salford, also Jane Rigbye of The Gambling Lab Ltd and Dr Adrian Parke the University of Lincoln. Their published findings were as follows: - Evidence on the use and impact of card-based and cashless technologies in gambling is limited. - This limited evidence suggests that cashless and card-based responsible gambling features (CCRGFs) are used by some, but not all, gamblers. The features relating to transparency and information (for example, statements showing how much people have gambled) are more popular than more restrictive features such as pre-commitment (for example, self-imposed limits on time and spending) or self-exclusion. - Evidence also suggests that for players to start using new technologies they need to be informed, the systems need to be reliable and easy-to-use, the registration process needs to be efficient, and security and confidentiality must be prioritized. - Very few other gambling regulators currently have definitive regulations on cashless and card-based technologies, despite being aware of their potential to help problem gamblers. Most jurisdictions remain cautious, and many are monitoring the outcomes of ongoing research. - Some industry stakeholders do not feel that the costs or challenges in adopting such technology would be proportionate with the commercial opportunities available. The review makes recommendations for the type of further research which may be useful. One of the primary suggestions is to include in the research a feasibility study which will assess the capabilities of such cashless and card based technology. The review also recommends undertaking pilot studies in order to explore player behaviour and attitudes to this technology. In the review’s conclusion the authors also take the opportunity to stress the importance of conducting any continuing research in real environments and stress that only results achieved in the real live gambling venues can be considered accurate. You can see cashless cards in operation in some members only casino throughout the UK. Although not implemented fully some members have the option of loading cash onto a card which can only be used in that specific casino venue. Although small this is a step towards cashless cards for gambling. Players seem somewhat unsure when it comes to popularity with some claiming that it can take some of the thrill away from actually going to the casino and winning. Sticking your card into a casino machine is not quite the same as handling money or chips when it comes to a game like roulette.
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