Evaluating a multi-site exclusion system and responses of gambling venues to problem gambling

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Author(s): Hayer, Tobias ; Brosowski, Tim ; Meyer, Gerhard

Journal: International Gambling Studies

Year Published: 2020

Date Added: August 31, 2020

This study evaluated the use of OASIS, a multi-site exclusion system for gambling halls in the German State of Hesse. It also tested for onsite customer protection at 64 gambling halls in Hesse. Test players displayed problematic gambling behaviour and applied for self-exclusion. They visited the gambling halls again after 14 days. The results showed that most of the OASIS exclusions were self-exclusions made by younger men, particularly those with a migration background. For the test plays, there were no identity checks in 16% of the visits to the gambling halls. Gambling hall staff responded appropriately to problematic gambling behaviour in few cases (7%). During the second visits, test players were able to gamble in 28% of the gambling halls despite their exclusion. The results showed a need for more monitoring of compliance with customer protection measures.

Citation: Hayer, T., Brosowski, T., & Meyer, G. (2020). Multi-venue exclusion program and early detection of problem gamblers: What works and what does not? International Gambling Studies. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/14459795.2020.1766096

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14459795.2020.1766096

Keywords: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) ; Electronic Gambling Machines (EGMs) ; problem gambling ; responsible gambling ; self-exclusion

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

Conceptual Framework Factors: Environment - Culture of Social Responsibility ; Environment - Responsible Gambling ; Resources - Harm Reduction, Prevention, and Protection ; Gambling Environment ; Biological Factors ; Gambling Resources

Study Design: Mixed Methods

Geographic Coverage: Germany, Hesse

Study Population: For the first aim: exclusion cases applied to the OASIS system from April 1, 2014 to September 7, 2016 (N = 12,253). For the second aim: 64 out of 750 gaming halls in Hesse were selected to check for compliance of staff with gambler protection measures. Eight male psychology students took the roles of test players and observers.

Sampling Procedure: The researchers obtained data from the OASIS exclusion system for April 1, 2014 to September 7, 2016. For the test plays, the researchers selected 64 gaming halls out of 750 in Hesse, based on the number of concessions and the location of the hall (urban or rural). The researchers aimed for maximum contrast by selecting the largest cities and the most rural areas, as well as considering the degree of geographical proximity from site to site.

Study Funding:

This study was commissioned by the Hessian Ministry for Social Aﬀairs and Integration.