According to the BBC, the voluntary code needs to be toughened up a bit. Much of the code has already been made “compulsory”, but more guidelines to need to be put in place. This is due to the protection that some say certain clients are not getting
WHAT DOES THE CODE DO
It sets a specific amount of money that a customer can use to bet. It also sets a specific time that these customers can spend on the machines. This code is not being used to punish the gamers, though some would disagree. It’s there as a protection device. But according to some, much more protection is needed.
WHAT SORT OF GUIDELINES SHOULD THERE BE
The code is there to keep certain people’s habits at bay. There are many clients that have serious gambling problems, though many of them will not admit it. They have these “craving”. This code is there to protect those people, yet not ruin the experience for everyone else.
HOW IS THE CODE DISPLAYED
After a certain period of time, clients are expected to take breaks, In other words, they need to “walk away”. Sometimes it gets to be too much. Some are pushed to their limits. When this happens, they need to walk away. The staff is all highly trained. They are trained to see the “warning signs”. They are also trained to know what to do, when these signs occur.
WHAT ABOUT BOOKMAKERS
They are expected to abide by these policies too. The idea is to create a relaxed and fun environment, but not at the expense of others. This is where the safety comes in, especially for those that have those “cravings”.
HOW SERIOUS ARE THE CRAVINGS
These cravings are serious. Compare them to any other addiction, one might have. Some like to gravitate to drugs and alcohol. Others like to gamble and bet. Like any addiction, it starts off slow and increases over time.
This is why casinos need to be on guard. They need to be alert for when certain customers might “need a fix”. Everyone has the right to gamble. But there are some who have developed a dangerous habit.
WILL IT CURE THE PROBLEM
According to some, it’s not going to magically cure the addiction. When questioned, a therapist said she was in agreement, but she still showed concern. She feels that it might be viewed as “cure” for those that have a problem.
But like any other addiction, this may not be entirely true. Just because you limit the time and money, doesn’t mean the person still won’t get those urges. In order to help themselves, customers are allowed to invoke the “self-exclusion” strategy.
This requires them to tell the staff not to accept their money, if they feel things are getting out of control.
Will code be a step in right direction? Like anything else, it has both advantages and disadvantages. Only time will tell how well the code will work.