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Understanding Online Voluntary Self-Exclusion in Gambling: An Empirical Study Using Account-Based Behavioral Tracking
Maris Catania1,2, Mark D Griffiths2
1Kindred Group, Tigne Point, Sliema TPO0001, Malta.
Summary
Voluntary self-exclusion (VSE) is not a reliable indicator of problem gambling. Analysis of online gamblers shows VSE users are too diverse to be a homogenous group, impacting consumer protection strategies.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Psychology
- Online Gambling Analytics
- Consumer Protection
Background:
- Online gambling growth necessitates enhanced consumer protection through data analysis.
- Voluntary self-exclusion (VSE) is often used as a proxy for problem gambling, but its validity is debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine whether voluntary self-exclusion (VSE) is a reliable proxy measure for problem gambling.
- To analyze the characteristics of online gamblers using VSE.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of customer data from the online gambling operator Unibet.
- Comparison of customers using a six-month VSE option (n=7732) with those closing accounts due to self-reported gambling addiction (n=141).
- Utilized behavioral tracking data to analyze gambling activity and account registration periods.
Main Results:
- 19.15% of customers using six-month VSE had less than 24 hours of gambling activity.
- 50.39% of customers using six-month VSE registered their accounts less than seven days prior to exclusion.
- Significant heterogeneity exists among VSE users, indicating they are not a homogenous group.
Conclusions:
- Voluntary self-exclusion (VSE) is not a reliable proxy measure for problem gambling due to user diversity.
- Findings offer objective insights into gambling behavior for operators, researchers, and policymakers.
- Behavioral tracking provides unbiased data for understanding and protecting online gamblers.
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