Let me start by recognizing a couple of points: This piece is likely to upset individuals on both sides of the responsible gaming debate, and I come from a working-class background.
Lately, I’ve been reflecting on critics of gambling, as well as those defending the industry, and I believe there is a fundamental issue impacting both sides. The problem is that too many individuals involved in this debate are middle class.
Being middle class doesn’t make them bad people; it simply skews their perspective away from where it should be. This distortion affects their fundamental understanding of gambling issues and often leads to a tone that sounds somewhat patronizing.
The failed ban
Previously, I wrote about The Guardian’s ban on gambling advertisements, expressing my frustration that the UK National Lottery was still allowed to advertise. This decision, which still perplexes me, was justified by the lottery’s contributions to social causes and the fact that it involved non-instantaneous draws.
The lottery operator proudly stated that they had a retail location within a mile of nearly every home in Great Britain. However, this is deemed acceptable because the funds support various cultural initiatives that the middle class typically enjoy, such as arts funding. Numerous opera groups and venues in the UK benefit financially from the National Lottery, which may not resonate with individuals in less affluent areas.
My argument here is that one of the industry’s main critics predominantly represents the middle class of the country. As I’ve mentioned before, I’d wager that none of their journalists have witnessed people leaving newsagents with handfuls of scratchcards on benefit payment days.
Deprivation precedes bookmakers
One common critique of gambling is that bookmakers tend to cluster in impoverished areas, which is generally true. However, it’s essential to realize that there are more pubs near football stadiums than next to upscale supermarkets like Waitrose. Why? Because they sell more beer.
Bookmakers thrive in deprived areas because they attract more customers. My concern here is not with the bookmakers themselves, but with the middle-class critics. What are they overlooking? Primarily, the deprivation exists prior to the establishment of bookmakers. These areas are plagued by poverty long before bookmakers arrive. Bookmakers do not create the deprivation; instead, they often become social centers in locations lacking adequate services or job opportunities. While they may cater to individuals with little to lose, the real issue lies in the desperation of these communities seeking a glimmer of hope.
Social mobility challenges
The root cause is the deprivation itself. Criticize bookmakers and the industry all you want, but without addressing poverty, unemployment, and their associated challenges, your efforts are futile. Social mobility is virtually non-existent. It’s nearly impossible for individuals born into disadvantaged circumstances to ascend the socioeconomic ladder.
Research indicates that the lack of social mobility poses a significant barrier to upward mobility. Without inherited property or financial support, owning a home or pursuing higher education becomes exceedingly daunting. The system perpetuates poverty, leaving individuals with little hope for a better future. For those trapped in despair, a gambling win represents a temporary escape—an opportunity to pay bills, afford basic necessities, or enjoy a semblance of comfort. In the absence of hope, what viable alternatives are available?
Empathy deficit in responsible gaming discourse
I once spoke with an individual who opposed a housing development near his village due to aesthetic concerns. While he was a decent person, his NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) mentality was concerning. I challenged his perspective by highlighting the pressing need for affordable housing in the area. This encounter underscored the importance of considering broader societal implications beyond personal inconvenience.
People often adopt stances based on personal experiences, but these viewpoints can be skewed by privilege and fail to grasp the full scope of societal challenges. Merely condemning gambling for its impact on the less fortunate is myopic. Instead, addressing poverty and its root causes should be the primary focus. Decisions made by those detached from real hardships lack credibility and fail to address the underlying issues.
The value of lived experience in responsible gaming dialogues
In the realm of gambling, researchers and advocates often hail from the middle class, potentially biasing their perspectives. Lived experiences shape understanding and research priorities, underscoring the need for diverse perspectives. Empathy and insight gained from firsthand encounters with the challenges of gambling are invaluable in shaping responsible gaming strategies.
Ultimately, individuals with lived experiences are crucial voices in these conversations. Their nuanced viewpoints offer a deeper understanding of gambling issues and solutions. As an industry, we must prioritize learning from those directly affected by gambling-related challenges, as they possess invaluable insights into both the struggles and potential paths forward.
Jon Bruford brings over 17 years of experience in the gambling industry, previously serving as managing editor of Casino International and currently as publishing director at The Gaming Boardroom, alongside Kate Chambers and Greg Saint.
