Social gambling is quite a new development in the gaming industry. As such, little is known about its potential effects on at-risk and problem gamblers. To identify these effects, Dr Sally Gainsbury is leading a study on the topic of social casino games. This upcoming project follows up on Dr Gainsbury’s previous research, in which she found that about 13% of gamblers also play social casino games.
The next part of her study will focus on whether free-play social gambling apps encourage players to place real-money wagers on actual casino games and pokies. This is quite an important issue in the fight against problem gambling. Free-play social games are easy to access, and players do not look at the digital currency they are spending as real-money. So, there is the potential for social casino games to cause harm to at-risk players.
She is also concerned about the potential normalisation of gambling among younger generations. Social casino games can be access by players of all ages, who may not be aware of the risks of gambling. Social games can make gambling seem like harmless fun, and it is important for young people to know about the realities of gambling.
“Gambling is an entertainment activity but it's for adults only and there are certainly some significant risks,” Dr Gainsbury says. While Dr Gainsbury’s study aims to find a link between play-money social gambling and real-money casino games, it is also important to note that social gaming can be helpful to problem gamblers.
Previous research has found that social gambling can actually help addicted players, as they can enjoy the thrill of gambling without having to wager actual cash. Other players stated it is a form of ‘harm minimisation’, providing them a way to control their urges to gamble with real money.
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