Inside Asian Gaming

INSIDE ASIAN GAMING MAY 2018 42 AF: There is definitely the perception that any expansion of legal gambling will automatically increase problems. This has proven untrue through the years, but it remains a major topic of debate in new markets. As for understanding cultural differences, this remains an area in need of further academic study. By way of example, the South Oaks Gambling Screen, the most commonly used in North America, is now being used in Japan. It has yet to be determined if the answers to such complex questions as “Do you ever feel guilty?” have the same meaning and context in Japanese as they do in English. BB: Looking specifically at Japan, it is well known that the primary obstacle facing the launch of an IR and casino industry in Japan is public concern over problem gambling. How should the industry as a whole go about addressing the Japanese public? AF: We must start from known facts: In spite of the vast growth of legalized gambling across North America, the prevalence rates have remained steady. We must always point out that the addition of three IRs in Japan will only increase gambling by a fraction of 1%. We must also prove that the industry is committed to responsible gambling. We must advocate that government must play a role in supporting public education and awareness and taking appropriate steps to ensure the availability of many forms of treatment. BB: Is there a Japan-specific approach that you believe should be taken in regards to responsible gambling practices? AF: I think the main focus in Japan should be on research and analysis. The nation has had gambling for decades, centuries even, with scant research available on any aspect of the interaction between the public and gambling. As a result, there is a unique opportunity to do some research on how gambling in this current context is seen by new generations of Japanese citizens. BB: How does MGM view its role in regards to alleviating concerns and initiating responsible gaming programs in its pursuit of a Japan license? AF: We are a leader in responsible gaming initiatives in the US and plan to take this same energy and momentum with us to Japan. There are exciting new Japanese technologies that, when combined with existing behavioral approaches such as GameSense, may combine to create a new form of responsible gaming programs. It’s all very exciting. Ben Blaschke: Why is it important to promote responsible gaming discussions? Jan Jones Blackhurst: IRs are in business to entertain guests. We want our customers who gamble to enjoy themselves and we should create the kind of environment that promotes responsible play. That requires responsible gaming to be one of the gaming industry’s core values. RG is a critical business function, particularly for Caesars, which ensures that our business is sustainable. It improves morale among employees, facilitates a positive experience for our guests and plays the vital role of reducing stigma in the communities in which we operate. Every aspect of our business is improved by frank, thorough and objective discussions about responsible gaming. Our employees are in business to entertain our guests and we want our employees to understand the goal of making sure our guests have fun every time they visit our resorts. Our guests appreciate strategies for playing within their budgets and available resources to help them play responsibly. Our communities benefit from discussions about gambling problems and this helps to alleviate fears and reduce stigma around the issue in jurisdictions considering hosting a casino. FEATURES “There is definitely the perception that any expansion of legal gambling will automatically increase problems. This has proven untrue through the years, but it remains a major topic of debate in new markets.” – Alan Feldman JAN JONES BLACKHURST CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT CORP Las Vegas