Cashless gambling from the viewpoints of people who regularly play electronic gaming machines

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Author(s): Swanton, Thomas B. ; Tsang, Stephanie ; Collard, Sharon B. ; Garbarino, Ellen ; Gainsbury, Sally M.

Journal: Psychology of Addictive Behaviors

Year Published: 2023

Date Added: March 02, 2024

Digital payments are increasingly being used to pay for goods and services. Current gambling systems still rely on cash payments, although cashless gambling systems are attracting regulatory attention. This study recruited 26 Australian adults who regularly played electronic gaming machines to participate in four focus groups. The aim was to explore their viewpoints regarding the risks and benefits of such a system; their reasons for wanting or not wanting to use the system; and their recommendations on potential harm reduction features for the system. This study provides insights into the design and implementation of cashless gambling systems.

Citation: Swanton, T. B., Tsang, S., Collard, S. B., Garbarino, E., & Gainsbury, S. M. (2023). Cashless gambling: Qualitative analysis of consumer perspectives regarding the harm minimization potential of digital payment systems for electronic gaming machines. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/adb0000962

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.1037/adb0000962

Keywords: cashless ; Electronic Gambling Machines (EGMs) ; gambling ; harm reduction ; payment ; payment methods

Topics: Gambling Resources ; Game Types ; Information for Operators ; Information for Treatment Providers ; Prevention ; Slots and VLTs

Conceptual Framework Factors: Gambling Types ; Types - Structural Characteristics ; Resources - Harm Reduction, Prevention, and Protection ; Gambling Resources

Study Design: Qualitative: Content Analysis

Geographic Coverage: Australia

Study Population: Adults who spent money on EGMs at least once a month in land-based venues (n = 26)

Sampling Procedure: The researchers used a purposive sampling strategy to select participants with prior experience using EGMs in land-based gambling venues. Most participants were recruited through a market research agency. Five participants were recruited through advertisements posted on social media and/or invitations sent to the mailing lists of previous research participants who had consented to being contacted.

Study Funding:

Thomas B. Swanton received funding from New South Wales Responsible Gambling Fund.