It's Better in Switzerland

It's better in Switzerland

U.S. casinos should adopt Swiss-style methods of dealing with gambling addicts, public policy expert says

BY BOB SHEMELIGIAN

Monday, March 5, 2007

Could Switzerland's "hands on" style of enforced responsible gaming work in major U.S. gaming jurisdictions?

Probably not, says Bill Thompson a professor in the Department of Public Administration at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, who will speak on "The Swiss Social Concept" at 7:30 p.m., April 16 at UNLV's Barrick Auditorium. But there's a lot we could learn from the Swiss, he adds.

"The plain truth is that a policy (of) mandatory bans for troubled gamblers could not be enforced beyond the doors of individual casinos," said Thompson, the author of several books on the casino industry.

Instead, Thompson recommends a more politic approach. Why not simply tell those who are identified as compulsive gamblers that they are "unwelcome" in U.S. casinos?

"Those people who are deemed 'unwelcome' by the casino would be removed from players' clubs. They would be removed from the casino mailing list," Thompson enumerated. "They would receive no promotions related to gambling. They could not cash checks at the casino. They would not be allowed to make cash transactions over $10,000 and they would be notified they would not be paid any slot machine jackpots that require identification -- such as wins over $1,200."

In other words, Thompson, explains, the casinos would tell those considered to be compulsive gamblers: "We can't stop you from coming in but we don't want you here."

NO SWISS NEUTRALITY

Such a policy would be a far cry from the draconian ban on disordered gamblers that has been enforced at all of Switzerland's 19 casinos for the past five years. In Switzerland, Thompson explained, players who exhibit signs of trouble such as throwing tantrums, talking of suicide or failing to use the restroom when necessary are reported to a committee, which then considers whether to ban the player for life.

Much like a court hearing, the player is invited to respond. If the ban is enacted, the player is allowed to appeal after a full year. But the player must show proof that he is responsible, including producing bank records.

Thompson, says he understands such a comprehensive concept is unworkable in the U.S. "The Swiss do have this notion that government is supposed to protect the people and we're much more of an individualist society," he said.

GAMBLER, HEAL THYSELF

In the U.S., large casino corporations do have responsible-gaming programs, but they put the responsibility on the shoulders of the players. Those who think they have a problem are encouraged to seek help.

"Obviously, different cultures have different ways of dealing with issues related to problem gambling. In the U.S., there is more of an element of personal responsibility involved, and that's reflected in the policies our companies and state regulators put in place," said Judy Patterson, executive director of the American Gaming Association.

Patterson explains that it's very difficult to identify someone with a gambling program just by looking at them. There are regulated self-exclusion programs in nearly every major U.S. gaming jurisdiction that are similar to the Swiss model, she added, "but individuals ban themselves if they think they have a problem.

Jan Jones, senior vice president of communications and government relations for Harrah's Entertainment, which more than a decade ago became the first casino company to create a responsible-gambling policy, said Harrah's employs gaming ambassadors who walk the floors of casinos. They are trained to approach customers who indicate they have a problem.

Jones cautions that it's sometimes difficult to tell whether a customer has a problem. "It doesn't have to do with how much you gamble," she said. "It's whether you gamble more than you can afford and it's causing problems in your (personal) life."

Harrah's discourages employees from gambling at corporate-owned properties. It also has a problem-gambling treatment program for employees that is covered under the company's health insurance plan.

WORSE THAN CASINOS?

Thompson said he certainly can applaud what major gaming corporations are doing to dissuade compulsive gambling, but it isn't enough. "It's true Harrah's was the lead in this area and officials from the corporation said, 'Let's go for it, let's put out the pamphlets and start the programs,'" Thompson said. "On the other hand, as a result, Harrah's name recognition went up 20 percent. After all, Harrah's is saying, 'We're doing a good job. Come to Harrah's.'"

But Thompson warns that, in Las Vegas, there are worse places for compulsive gamblers than large casinos -- bars, convenience stores and supermarkets.

He says this gives women who are problem gamblers the perfect environment to gamble irresponsibly without detection from friends or family members.

But what about the argument that slot machines in supermarkets help keep down food prices for local customers? "Our grocery prices are not lower than those in Utah, Arizona and California," Thompson said. "You have to remember these supermarkets are owned and operated by out-of-state companies."