Safer Gambling and Consumer Protection Failings Among 40 Frequently Visited Cryptocurrency-Based Online Gambling Operators

【Author】 Andrade, Maira; Sharman, Steve; Xiao, Leon Y.; Newall, Philip W. S.

【Source】PSYCHOLOGY OF ADDICTIVE BEHAVIORS

【影响因子】4.044

【Abstract】Objective: Online gambling has increased the accessibility and range of gambling products available to people all over the world. This trend has been particularly noticeable in the United Kingdom. Cryptocurrency-based gambling is a new, largely unregulated, way to gamble online, which uses mostly anonymous blockchain-based technologies, such as Bitcoin. The present research investigated consumer protection features of 40 frequently visited and U.K.-accessible cryptocurrency-based online gambling operators. Method: A content analysis was performed by visiting all 40 cryptocurrency-based online operators and recording their safer gambling and consumer protection practices. Coded features included aspects of the sign-up process, features of any safer gambling pages, customer support practices, and Identity verification. Results: Results revealed significant failings in the account registration process; none of the operators verified the identity of new users, and 35% required only an email or no personal information for sign-up. Overall, 37.5% of operators offered no safer gambling tools and a further 20% offered only one. Additionally, 64.7% of operators continued to email promotional material after being informed of a user's impaired control when gambling. Less than half of the analyzed operators held a valid license (47.5%), and none of the operators with an available deposit page required identity verification before enabling deposits. Conclusions: These results highlight the potential risks for young and vulnerable individuals, especially when a lack of identity verification is paired with the inherent anonymity of cryptocurrencies. Furthermore, it emphasizes the need for greater policy and research attention toward cryptocurrency-based online gambling. Public Health Significance Statement Cryptocurrency-based gambling is a fast-growing gambling format, and top operators are heavily investing in consumer reach through sports advertisements. However, information on the safer gambling and consumer protection practices of frequently visited operators is nonexistent. The findings in this study showed significant failings in consumer protection and safer gambling practices, which suggest an increased risk of gambling-related harm in cryptocurrency-based gambling.

【Keywords】crypto gambling; online betting; safer gambling; responsible gambling; regulation

【发表时间】

【收录时间】2022-11-20

【文献类型】实证数据

【主题类别】

区块链治理-市场治理-数字货币