The Evolving Landscape of Problem Gambling in the U.S. Gaming Industry
Online event by Mindway AI highlights challenges surrounding problematic gambling behaviors
Navigating the complicated issue of problem gambling within the rapidly expanding and transforming U.S. gaming industry is akin to explaining the beauty of the night sky to a blind person. During the recent Mindway AI-sponsored webinar titled "Beyond the Month: Sustained Policy Impact on Problem Gambling," panelists acknowledged that there's no one-size-fits-all answer.
In the words of Mindway AI CEO Rasmus Kjaergaard, "It's all about clarifying the problematic gambling behavior. While there's always room for improvement, it's crucial to understand that the regulatory landscape can vary considerably across different regions."
As the U.S. gambling landscape continues to evolve, responsible gaming emerges as an essential concern for industry players. However, as Brianne Doura-Schawohl, a renowned responsible gaming expert and consultant, points out, there are pockets of resistance in regards to implementing responsible gambling measures.
"There's a widespread belief that these policies intrude upon the sustainability of players or business models," says Doura-Schawohl. "I often hear that good problem gambling policies stifle business innovation in the United States."
Mark Vander Linden, Director of Research and Responsible Gaming for the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, has encountered support for responsible gaming efforts but notes that not everyone shares the same perspective.
"My primary concern is not solely the revenue from gambling, but ensuring people are cared for," Vander Linden shares. "Both are valid, and I don't prioritize one over the other. The goal is to have sustainability in the gambling industry while also looking out for those struggling with problem gambling."
Kjaergaard proposes that responsible gambling programs should be viewed similarly to safety systems in planes or lane tracking assistance in cars—tools that may not be necessary for many but provide critical support for those in need.
"Most gamblers fall into the low or no-risk category for gambling behavior," Kjaergaard explains. "We shouldn't burden them with more than general market awareness. However, the few who show signs of problematic gambling should receive assistance as soon as possible to prevent their issues from worsening."
Thomas Simcock, principal analyst for Vixio Regulatory Intelligence, weighed in on another obstacle to addressing problem gambling: mental health concerns. According to Simcock, a majority of problem gamblers also have a mental health issue, suggesting that a public health approach needs to be considered in conjunction with gambling-specific solutions.
Lastly, the upcoming challenge lies in addressing the growing concerns surrounding unregulated online gaming markets. Currently, these operators lack responsible gaming programs to support problem gamblers. Simcock suggests that keeping licensed and regulated platforms attractive to players through responsible gambling initiatives can help prevent players from flocking to unlicensed markets.
Tackling Problem Gambling in Unlicensed Markets
Several regulatory bodies across the United States are working diligently to tackle the challenges posed by unlicensed online gaming markets, which also encompass problem gambling concerns. Here are some key measures they're implementing:
Regulatory Actions
- Investigations by Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) The MGCB has launched investigations into unlicensed sports prediction markets, aiming to maintain the integrity of the legal sports betting system and prevent financial risks and consumer confusion.
- Cease-and-Desist Orders by Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) The ADG has issued cease-and-desist orders against six unlicensed online gaming operators, accusing them of gambling law violations and illegal activities such as money laundering. The ADG emphasizes the importance of protecting consumers by enforcing compliance with state gaming laws.
Public Awareness and Regulation
- Public Warnings: Arizona issued warnings in February 2025 about online scams and the dangers presented by illegal online casinos and sweepstakes platforms.
- Promotion of Licensed Operators: Regulatory bodies like the ADG advocate for licensed and regulated operators to ensure consumer protections and economic contributions to the state.
Challenges and Focus Areas
- Consumer Protection Risks: Unlicensed operators pose significant risks to consumers, including financial exploitation and a lack of safeguards against problem gambling.
- Regulatory Challenges: The rise of unlicensed platforms poses challenges in monitoring and controlling problem gambling, as these operators exist outside the legal framework that includes responsible gaming measures.
In summary, although there may not be explicit measures to directly address problem gambling in unlicensed markets, enforcing compliance with gaming laws and promoting legal, regulated platforms are vital steps in protecting consumers and mitigating risks associated with problem gambling.
- The issue of problem gambling in unlicensed markets gravitates as a significant concern for regulatory bodies in the United States.
- Panelists during the Mindway AI-sponsored webinar agreed that responsible gambling measures are essential for casino-and-gambling industry players in addressing problem gambling.
- As the challenges of unregulated online gaming markets persist, the goal is to support problem gamblers through licensed and regulated platforms, which should be kept attractive through responsible gambling initiatives.
