Gambling Reform Vision: Time for global consistency in our messages......

One topic I find myself reflecting on a lot recently is that of the consistency of our message in the gambling reform lobby. 

I am a relative newcomer to being an active and outspoken participant in gambling reform although I have watched and supported from the side-lines for many years.  

I have observed over the years how the gambling industry is consistent in communicating its message:-

·       

•   Entertainment industry
•   Job Creation 
•  Promoting Responsible Gambling 
• Tax contribution.
• The product: EGM - Electronic gaming machines

Why is this important? 

As an industry, all of the gambling operators will talk the same language about any of these topics. They understand each other, and they promote the same messages on these topics the world over.  

Whether it is in Las Vegas USA, London UK, Bratislava Slovakia, Melbourne Australia the gambling industry can roll out the marketing guys to promote a new casino by talking about:-

•  Creating jobs 
•   Paying taxes 
•   Entertainment industry being fun!! 
•  They take problem gambling seriously!!

This communication consistency allows them to be extremely effective in lobbying politicians and business groups. 

It gives them a huge advantage over the gambling reform lobby which has not yet developed a clear gambling reform vision with a consistent global message.  

Even the language around Electronic gaming machines is not clear and often not understood across different countries and regions.

• Pokies? Poker? FOBTs? VLTs? Slots?, Fruit Machines? Etc

It is a great achievement for the gambling reform lobby that we are now generating so much interest around the world with new action groups springing up almost every day.

Now is the time to create a global gambling reform vision and to rally behind clear consistent messages. By doing so:

• We will raise awareness of gambling addiction. 
• It will be easier to have our message heard and to gain the support of politicians and interest groups alike. 
• We can more easily target the gambling industry. 
• It will also allow research to be targeted to our core message.
• We can create a global NGO with a global funding program.

When the gambling industry rolls out its marketing guys to promote further expansion of a dangerous industry we must be able to respond with a clear and consistent message.

Something for discussion at international problem gambling conferences?