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Spain to Cut Down on Gambling
Following on from new legislation in France regarding gambling Spain has also announced it will be introducing new methods which aim to target problem gambling.
We’re used to seeing health warnings on packets of cigarettes, but it has now been said that slot machines in Catalonia will also carry warnings, advising players that if they play for too long then the machines may turn themselves off. This is part of a pioneering new project that aims to tackle problem gambling. Although not confirmed it is believed that the machines will flash a message every 30 minutes, making players aware of how long they have been on the machines. In an even stricter move it has been said that one machine, known as ‘video lottery’ and installed in bingo clubs throughout Spain, has actually been programmed to switch itself off after 90 minutes of continuous use by one player.
These measures show some similarities to new legislation recently introduced in France, which means that online gaming operators must show a player how much money they have staked in a session, as well as how long they have been playing for. The French legislation though appears to benefit the government more than the players, as under the new policies they will receive more tax. It also seems to be somewhat a protectionist policy, as it means that overseas operators will find it difficult to offer their services within France, leaving a clear way for French operators to gain an advantage and so keep a larger portion of money within the French economy.
Most operators within the internet bingo industry already work with organisations such as Gamcare to monitor and also help those who feel that gambling is more of a pastime, whilst these latest reports seem to indicate that certain European governments are taking a more proactive approach in an attempt to restrict players. Organisations like Gamcare and the GREaT Foundation have done much research in the field and this, combined with their years of experience, means they are an effective force, unlike some of the measures introduced by governments which do not seem to be particularly well thought out.
The measures being considered by Spain may flash several warnings to a player when playing on sites such as Red Bus Bingo, and even lead to the machine switching itself off, but there is nothing to stop a player simply changing to another machine. Many people believe it is more beneficial to educate both operators and society in general so that they can spot the signs of problem gambling, and hopefully nip any potential problems in the bud before a person becomes addicted.
The problem with much of the new legislation seems to be that it is being introduced by bureaucrats, instead of by people who have experience within the gambling industry. It has been suggested that this is an ideal time for bingo operators of all countries to form an online bingo association to help shape future legislation which would truly be beneficial to all members of the community, instead of being mostly in place to line the pockets of a fortunate few.
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