Mr B:
Like I said bud, if they can DNA test to the point of wanting passport selfies and colossal bank statements with proof of income over a period of months then surely they can have an independent service (as an industry) that could verify if a player has just ruined his or her life and left three children with no food. They could pay the money back and the industry could 100% ban them. If you have to DNA test to walk in a virtual casino, you should have to DNA test to walk in a bookies so staff know exactly who is who and who is suffering vs who is able to tolerate or control their gambling desires.
Although I agree that more can be done in certain areas (and I believe this transition has already begun with the additional and rigorous KYC checks that have been introduced), I could not disagree any more with the statement I’ve highlighted in bold.
I don’t think under any circumstances a casino should refund a player because they’ve spent too much. Why? Because actually, I’m absolutely certain that this would only encourage irresponsible gambling. Think about it… if you’re considering whether to deposit your last remaining funds after a tilt session, and then you realise that if you do, and can’t afford food, the casino would just bail you out, why wouldn’t you do it? It’s a no risk situation for you.
I can understand your point about a ban following that so that you basically have only one chance at this, but there are both downsides and workarounds to that also. I just don’t think that is anywhere close to a good solution.
That being said, it’s a suggestion, so don’t think I’m just here to shoot you down, I’m not, I just have quite a strong opinion on that particular statement on this topic.
Personally, I’ve always been a believer of self-accountability. It’s certainly the way I’ve lived my life, even during incredibly hard times. However, I’d like to see two things change… 1) outright ban on advertising or glamourising gambling, outside of the industry itself (e.g. on a TV advert) and 2) more counselling services readily available to aid recovery.
