Following the credit card ban by the Gambling Commission, Kent psychologist Lazaros Gonidis, gave his expert insight on the matter.
‘People are still debating whether this is a step in the right direction or just another restriction on personal freedoms. To begin, we must understand the key issues in gambling behaviour.
‘First, gamblers can regularly demonstrate an inability to make rational decisions when it comes to spending limits, length of time spent gambling, and the size of debts accrued. Second, gamblers may be incapable of controlling their urge to gamble, resulting in sought quick fixes by using very accessible forms of gambling online. Online gambling is now clearly the dominant form of gambling and accounts for almost 35% of the generated revenue in the sector in UK. Third, is the ease of access adults have to funds gained from credit cards.
‘These three combined factors – the urge to gamble, an inability for rational thinking in the context, and easy access to funds – can result in the gambler accumulating debts. As there is no warning on how big the debt is during use; this could have detrimental consequences on one’s ability to live a debt-free life. Consider that it may take someone between seven and ten years to repay a debt of just £250 if only repaying the monthly minimum.
‘It is crucial to protect those who are vulnerable and trapped in gambling addiction. Banning the use of credit cards is not the ultimate solution but it adds an extra layer of protection. It will be harder for pathological gamblers to find funds to pursue their passion that would only increase their debts. However, much is still to be done as there are still means of acquiring funds. For example, online gamblers can simply loan one another directly transferred money.
‘There is also an urgent need to examine the role that mobile phones play in addiction. Online casinos now have mobile applications; resulting in further additiction issues. Furthermore, credit cards are also used excessively in a similar addiction, the gaming addiction. This is something that has been currently under-examined, but many computer games use implicit forms of gambling, named loot-boxes or premium content, that players can only access at a price.
‘In conclusion, one could argue that banning credit cards for gambling could limit one’s freedoms but we have a duty of care for those who engage in pathological gambling. As such, this ban is a positive move. However, more is needed and the Gambling Commission must continue addressing new issues emerging from modern technology.’
Lazaros Gonidis is a Lecturer in Psychological Methods and Statistics at the School of Psychology, University of Kent. His research interests include non-substance addictions and time perception, and virtual reality and its effects on perception.
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