Problem gambling is becoming an increasingly prevalent issue in casinos across Australia. It is bad enough that more residents are developing compulsive gambling behaviour, but now the issue is being exacerbated by the fact that loan sharks are preying on problem gamblers at Crown Casino in Melbourne.
The Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation recently published a report outlining the major concerns that Crown Melbourne is facing. The casino sees its fair share of cheating and problem gambling, but a new problem that has emerged is the appearance of loan sharks. They target problem gamblers and at-risk players, offering them high-interest loans to help continue playing.
“The VCGLR considers loan sharking, and in particular its impact on individuals, to be a risk to responsible gambling and the integrity of gaming at the Melbourne Casino,” states the commission’s report. Problem gamblers are likely already in debt, having spent their savings on playing casino games.
Many compulsive gamblers borrow money from friends and family to fund their addictions, and loan sharks are simply adding to their problems by giving them yet another person to owe. The problem is made worse by the fact that accepting a loan from a shark could involve the problem gambler in the world of organized crime.
The types of individuals who offer loans to problem gamblers are usually part of crime syndicates, and the borrower may become mixed up with criminals. . The Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation has suggested that the casino operator take a stand against this type of activity.
Security should target loan sharks to protect problem gamblers from digging themselves even deeper into debt and possibly getting involved in the crime world. Staff members should also get involved by redirecting problem gamblers to helplines and self-exclusion programs before they can be targeted by loan sharks.
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