Responsible gambling contributions, as outlined in the Gambling Regulations 2016, are not merely financial obligations; they are investments in harm prevention, public education, research, and industry regulation, said Moruntshi Kemorwale, Director of Responsible Gambling and Corporate Affairs at the Gambling Authority.
He emphasised that the fundamental goal is to protect individuals and families from the devastating effects of problem gambling. As the UK Gambling Commission underscores, “Gambling operators have a duty to prevent gambling harm and protect vulnerable consumers.”
The importance of these funds cannot be overstated. Kemorwale cited research by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) in the United States, which indicates that problem gambling impacts not just individuals but entire households, leading to financial distress, mental health crises, and even suicide (NCPG, 2023). A World Health Organisation (WHO) report recognises gambling disorder as a significant public health issue, comparable in severity to substance addiction.
A crucial ethical question arises: Should saving money take precedence over saving lives? A government or regulatory body that withholds responsible gambling funds in the name of fiscal restraint risks severe human consequences, according to Kemorwale. Professor Mark Griffiths, a leading expert on gambling psychology, highlights the broader impact, stating, โFor every problem gambler, an estimated six to ten other peopleโspouses, children, friendsโare also directly affected.โ
Kemorwale further stressed that responsible gambling funding should never be reduced to a mere financial exercise.
“This is about saving lives, not saving money. We cannot afford to underfund responsible gambling initiatives when the stakes are this high. One life lost or destroyed due to problem gambling is one too many. The Gambling Authority remains committed to ensuring that every Pula collected under responsible gambling contributions is directed towards its intended purposeโprotecting individuals, families, and communities from the harms of gambling addiction,” Kemorwale stated.
Consider this: If one million Pula is collected in responsible gambling contributions but fails to be invested in harm prevention, the cost of one life lost or destroyed due to gambling-related suicide or family breakdown far outweighs any perceived savings. The logic is clearโbudgeting should be based on research-identified needs, not arbitrary financial limitations.
Governments and gambling regulators worldwide should heed the words of renowned economist Paul Krugman, who argued, โGood policy is about making decisions that prioritize peopleโs well-being over short-term financial constraintsโ (Krugman, 2019). If even one life is lost or destroyed due to problem gambling while funds remain unspent, the system has failed in its duty of care.
According to Kemorwale, the solution is evident: Full utilisation of responsible gambling funds should be a non-negotiable commitment. As the saying goes, โA society is judged by how it treats its most vulnerable.โ In the context of gambling regulation, the most vulnerable are those at risk of addiction and its catastrophic consequences.
