Jody Bechtold is a well-known expert in the field of problem gambling and behavioral health. She is also the Casino Guru Awards judge in the RG Tools and The Most Impactful Social Responsibility Initiative categories. In this interview, Bechtold reflects on her role as a judge at the Awards, and highlights how the evaluation process has improved, also nodding at the fact that the industry has also come to realize the importance of addressing problem gambling. However, Jody remains cautious, urging operators to focus on prevention, affordability checks and collaborations with experts in order to achieve a golden standard that enhances player protection and fosters a safer gambling environment.

Q: Jody, returning for the third year of the Casino Guru Awards is a significant milestone for us. As a judge in two key categories that tackle problem gambling, you've witnessed the event's evolution firsthand. Can you share what changes you've observed in the process between the inaugural edition and the current one?

I have seen how the evaluation of the submissions has become more refined and transparent. There has been an increase in the number of nominations and the quality of the initiatives highlighted by the nominees has highlighted a growing awareness for identifying potential gambling-harms as well as addressing new challenges that are emerging. The operators are demonstrating more concern and responsibility for early detection and intervention in their views of responsible gambling. It is my hope to see even more innovation in approaches to player protection as well as using more AI and data analysis to identify and assist with at-risk players.

Q: What are your impressions of the applicants' dedication to responsible gambling tools and social responsibility initiatives? Do you believe the Casino Guru Awards has played a role in encouraging the industry to adopt better practices by motivating participants to strive for distinction?

I continue to see improvement in the sophistication and dedication in the approaches to responsible gambling. It is clear that many operators want to move beyond simply meeting the basic requirements and are actively seeking innovation to protect players and share more about how they are doing it. The Casino Guru Awards have become a focus to demonstrate positive change in the industry. The awards provide a platform for sharing best practices and generating a sense of collective responsibility in the industry.

Q: As one of the industry’s leading voices on problem gambling, what advice do you have to offer for companies that genuinely aspire to protect their players and look after their well-being?

It's crucial for companies to go beyond simply reacting to harmful gambling behaviors. While detecting at-risk players through behavioral markers is important, I strongly advise operators to prioritize preventative measures that address the root causes of problem gambling. This includes implementing robust affordability checks to encourage responsible spending, empowering players to set personalized limits on their deposits and wagers and enforcing mandatory breaks in play to reduce the risk of excessive gambling sessions.

Furthermore, a true commitment to player well-being requires a company-wide culture of responsibility. This means embedding responsible gambling principles in all aspects of the business, from customer service to marketing. All employees should be trained to identify and assist players who may be struggling, and leadership must demonstrate visible and ongoing support for responsible gambling initiatives.

Finally, I encourage operators to actively collaborate with experts in the field, such as researchers and treatment providers, to ensure their strategies are informed by the latest evidence and best practices. By embracing transparency, sharing data, and continuously evaluating and adapting their approaches, companies can create a truly safe and supportive environment for their players.

Q: What have been the significant milestones of your career in 2024 that you think will help you better judge applicants the Best Implementation of RG Tools & The Most Impactful Social Responsibility Initiative categories?

My continued work with individuals and families dealing with problem gambling provides me with invaluable insights into the real-world impact of responsible gambling tools and social responsibility initiatives. I witness firsthand how effective RG tools can empower individuals to manage their gambling and mitigate harm, and I see the devastating consequences when these tools are lacking or insufficient.

My advocacy work at the local, national, and international levels allows me to understand the broader context of responsible gambling. I engage with policymakers, researchers, and operators, giving me a comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. This broad perspective is crucial for evaluating the effectiveness and impact of the applicants' initiatives.

I am committed to staying at the forefront of developments in responsible gambling. I regularly attend conferences, engage with research, and participate in industry discussions to ensure my knowledge is current and my judgment is informed by the latest evidence and best practices.

Q: What is your overall impression of the responsible gambling efforts and commitments by the gambling industry at large this year? Are there specific developments that you think are important?

As a clinician specializing in gambling disorders, I have a unique perspective on the effectiveness of responsible gambling initiatives. While I appreciate the efforts being made by the industry, my day-to-day experience working with clients sometimes paints a different picture.

I continue to see clients who have experienced significant harm despite the availability of responsible gambling tools. This suggests that these tools are not always easily accessible, effectively implemented, or sufficiently robust to prevent harm in all cases.

From my perspective, there is a need for more proactive interventions, personalized support, and greater emphasis on early detection and prevention. I believe the industry could benefit from closer collaboration with clinicians and researchers to ensure that responsible gambling tools are truly effective in mitigating harm.

I do see some encouraging trends, such as the increasing use of AI-powered tools to identify at-risk players and the growing focus on personalized messaging and support. These are steps in the right direction, and I hope to see further progress in these areas.

Ultimately, I believe that closer collaboration between the industry and clinicians is crucial to ensure that responsible gambling initiatives are grounded in real-world experience and effectively address the needs of individuals struggling with gambling addiction. I am hopeful that by working together, we can create a safer and more supportive environment for all players.

Q: It seems that we have never been at a more important time in the industry’s timeline to actually begin addressing problem gambling. The Lancet Public Health Commission recently suggested that despite our best efforts, the level of problem gambling continue to prevail. Leaving some room for data bias, do you take this assessment as true and what do you think the underlying causes are?

I concur with the Lancet Public Health Commission's report. It's a stark reminder that despite the industry's efforts, problem gambling continues to be a significant public health concern. This is a critical juncture, and we must acknowledge that current approaches may not be sufficient to curb the prevalence of gambling-related harm.

The rise of online gambling has undoubtedly increased accessibility and convenience, contributing to the problem. However, we must also examine the role of aggressive marketing tactics, game design features that can promote addictive behavior, and a lack of public awareness regarding the risks of gambling. Furthermore, it's crucial to recognize the complex interplay of social and economic factors that can increase vulnerability to gambling-related harm.

Moving forward, the industry must prioritize a multi-faceted approach to prevention. This includes investing in more sophisticated responsible gambling tools, advocating for stricter regulations on marketing and advertising, and supporting ongoing research to better understand and address the root causes of problem gambling. Collaboration and knowledge sharing are essential to ensure that we are working collectively to protect players and minimize harm.

Q: Stepping into Casino Guru Awards as one of the judges of our most important categories, what would you like to see from this year’s format, and the applicants themselves?

To ensure a fair and transparent judging process, I believe it's essential to have a standardized scoring rubric that all judges can use when evaluating the applicants. This will help us maintain consistency across different categories and ensure that we are all focusing on the same key criteria.

The rubric should include criteria such as the innovativeness of the initiatives, their demonstrated effectiveness in reducing harm, their reach and accessibility to players, their overall impact on player well-being, and their long-term sustainability. By clearly defining these criteria, we can ensure that all judges are evaluating the applicants on the same key factors.

A numerical scoring system with clear definitions for each level would be helpful. For example, a scale of 1 to 5 could be used for each criterion, with 1 representing 'needs improvement' and 5 representing 'excellent.'

It would also be helpful if the application process required applicants to provide specific data and evidence to support their claims about the effectiveness of their initiatives. This would make it easier for judges to assess the impact of their work.

By implementing these suggestions, I believe we can further enhance the objectivity and rigor of the Casino Guru Awards judging process.

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