NO LINE Philip James

In a recent episode of The No Line Podcast, Philip, the host, engaged in a compelling conversation with Christopher Justice, CEO of Pavilion Payments, shedding light on the company’s dedication to fostering a positive and responsible gaming environment. With the spotlight on National Council on Problem Gambling’s (NCPG) Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM) in March 2024, the timing couldn’t be more pertinent. The insightful dialogue traversed Pavilion’s remarkable culture and its steadfast commitment to responsible gaming, offering a blueprint for the future of the gaming industry.
 
A Foundation Built on Values At Pavilion Payments, a values-driven ethos is paramount, with Chris emphasizing the significance of a content and motivated workforce. He revealed how a positive work environment translates into exceptional service for both customers and casino guests. By prioritizing employee satisfaction, Pavilion not only enhances its operational excellence but also sets a new standard for the industry, proving that happy employees are the cornerstone of satisfied end-users.
Pioneering Responsible Gaming The conversation took a deeper dive into the realm of responsible gaming, a cause Pavilion Payments champions with vigor. Chris discussed the company’s proactive approach, including its support for innovative research aimed at developing tools that encourage safer gaming practices. This initiative is a testament to Pavilion’s commitment to understanding and addressing the diverse needs of casino patrons, ensuring they have the means to enjoy gaming responsibly.
Embracing Technological Solutions Central to Pavilion’s strategy is the leveraging of technology to bolster its responsible gaming efforts. Chris detailed how data analytics and behavioral monitoring are instrumental in identifying potential problem gambling patterns, enabling Pavilion to offer targeted interventions. This approach not only underscores the importance of technology in promoting safe gaming but also highlights Pavilion’s role as a trailblazer in the industry, striving to protect and enhance the guest experience through innovation.
The Path Forward The dialogue between Philip and Chris not only illuminated Pavilion Payments’ contributions to enhancing responsible gaming but also underscored the broader industry shift towards prioritizing both the enjoyment and safety of casino guests. Their discussion serves as a beacon for others in the gaming industry, illustrating how a commitment to employee well-being, technological advancement, and responsible gaming can harmonize to create a more positive and secure gaming landscape.
About The No Line Podcast The best bet is the responsible one! The No Line Podcast is dedicated to sharing stories about those leading the gaming industry forward — making it better, making it more responsible. Interested in being a guest or sharing your organization’s “responsible” story?
Contact Philip Beere on LinkedIn or visit the website at www.nolinepodcast.com
 LinkedIn
About Philip Beere, MBA, LEED AP Head of Marketing Gaming Analytics, Co-Founder RFAMD, Head of Marketing Sightline Payments (former) In 2007, Philip revolutionized Arizona's housing with the G HOME brand — the core of its success was his ability to make the complex simple and create easy-to-consume messaging. His marketing expertise led him to the gaming industry in 2019, as Head of Marketing for Sightline Payments. Since exiting Sightline, he heads the marketing for Gaming Analytics and leads the andMARKETING team.
 LinkedIn
 
 
 

Listen to more episodes about responsible gaming at www.nolinepodcast.com Contact Philip at philip@andmarketing.us #responsiblegambling #RGAM2024 
Join us in this insightful episode of The No Line Podcast, where host Philip Beere engages in a detailed discussion with Keith Whyte, the National Council on Problem Gambling Executive Director. The focus of their conversation is the ever-changing landscape of gambling in the United States, with a special emphasis on the Gambling Research, Investment, and Treatment Act (GRIT Act) introduced in early 2024.
As a significant legislative step, the GRIT Act aims to secure the first federal funding for problem gambling programs. This initiative is crucial in the context of the growing prominence of online sports betting and casino gambling, underlining the importance of responsible gambling practices and public awareness.
A key highlight of the podcast is the mention of March 2024 as Problem Gambling Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing public knowledge and engagement around issues related to gambling. This month will serve as a platform for sharing personal stories, encouraging open discussions on gambling habits, and offering resources and support to those impacted.
The 1-800-GAMBLER helpline is also discussed as an important tool for assistance. Now more accessible with text and chat features, it provides essential support and direction to helpful resources for individuals in need.
For further insights into the current trends in responsible gambling, the role of technology and AI in this sector, and the impact of awareness campaigns, tune into this episode. Explore how these developments shape the future of gambling in America.
📆 Problem Gambling Awareness Month: March 2024
🆘 For help and support, contact 1-800-GAMBLER or visit the [National Council on Problem Gambling website] for more information and resources.
#NoLinePodcast #ProblemGambling #GRITAct #KeithWhyte #PhilipBeere #ResponsibleGambling #GamblingAwareness #1-800-GAMBLER

In a recent episode of "The No Line Podcast," hosted by Philip Beere, Dr. Anastasia Hronis, a distinguished psychologist from Sydney, Australia, shared her insights on responsible gaming. The conversation unfolded at the Gambling Risk-Taking Conference in Las Vegas, where Dr. Hronis discussed her multifaceted career spanning clinical practice, research, and academia at the University of Technology in Sydney.
Dr. Hronis's research, primarily focused on mental health issues such as mood disorders, anxiety, and depression, eventually led her to delve into the realm of responsible gambling. She expressed a strong interest in early intervention strategies aimed at preventing the development of mental health difficulties and addiction problems, including gambling. Dr. Hronis emphasized the need for more research in the field of gambling addiction, noting that while some treatments like cognitive behavior therapy have shown effectiveness, there's still a considerable gap in knowledge compared to other addictions such as alcohol or drug use.
A significant part of the discussion revolved around the challenges in treating gambling addiction and the intersection of gambling with other mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. Dr. Hronis highlighted the importance of determining the right approach to treatment, whether addressing the mental health issue or the gambling behavior first. She also spoke about identifying at-risk individuals early on, before they develop a diagnosable gambling problem.
Throughout the interview, Dr. Hronis shared observations from her first visit to Las Vegas. She expressed surprise at the accessibility of gambling venues and the presence of children in these environments, which could potentially glamorize gambling. Drawing parallels with Australia's sports betting culture, she underscored the vulnerability of certain demographic groups, including culturally and linguistically diverse communities, young males, and indigenous populations.
The podcast also touched upon the highlights of the Gambling and Risk-Taking Conference. Dr. Hronis shared her "aha" moment, which came from a presentation emphasizing the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in public health messaging around responsible gambling. She underscored the value of learning from diverse perspectives and experiences to create more effective intervention strategies.
In conclusion, Dr. Hronis called for increased investment in research and efforts to assist those struggling with gambling problems and to prevent others from reaching that point. She encouraged interested individuals to engage with the field, either through attending conferences or through academic and professional channels. Her contact information was made available for those wishing to connect further on these topics.
This insightful interview with Dr. Hronis underscores the complex interplay between gambling, mental health, and public health, highlighting the need for a more nuanced understanding and approach to responsible gaming.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of the gambling industry, the shift towards cashless transactions has been touted to promote responsible gaming. However, in a thought-provoking interview on the No Line podcast hosted by Philip Beere, Professor Jay Zagorsky from the Questrom School of Business at Boston University presents a compelling argument for the retention of cash transactions in gambling. Zagorsky's insights challenge the prevailing narrative and suggest that cash can be a natural moderator for problem gambling.
The Argument for Cash
Zagorsky posits that the tangible nature of cash transactions introduces necessary friction in the gambling process, which can act as a deterrent to impulsive betting. He argues that the "pain of paying" with cash can prompt gamblers to think twice before placing bets, thereby injecting a moment of reflection often absent in the seamless world of digital transactions.
The Data Speaks
The interview delves into the staggering statistics of gambling's growth post the 2018 Supreme Court ruling that legalized online gambling in the United States. With billions being wagered in states like New York, the conversation raises concerns about the ease with which individuals can accrue debt, particularly through using credit cards for online betting.
Regulatory Responses
Zagorsky highlights international responses to the issue, such as the UK's ban on credit card use for online gambling, as examples of effective regulatory measures. He suggests that such policies introduce the kind of friction that can help mitigate problem gambling.
The Middle Ground or the Extreme?
While the industry seeks a middle ground, Zagorsky advocates for an extreme position, recommending a return to cash-only betting. He suggests that even when using mobile apps for betting, users should pre-fund their accounts with cash at physical locations, thus maintaining friction in the transaction process.
Industry Reactions
The interview acknowledges the pushback from the gambling industry, which cites the inconvenience and security risks associated with handling large amounts of cash. Yet, Zagorsky maintains that the benefits of reducing problem gambling through such friction outweigh these concerns.
Cultural Perspectives
The conversation also explores why certain societies, like Japan and Germany, prefer cash while others, like Sweden and China, move towards cashless economies. Zagorsky suggests that the use of cash can promote self-control, citing research that indicates people who pay with cash may make healthier choices and could potentially save more money.
Educational Insights
Zagorsky shares anecdotes from his teaching experiences, noting the generational divide in attitudes towards cash. While students understand the concept of cash promoting self-control, they seldom practice it, highlighting the challenge of changing entrenched behaviors in the digital age.
Conclusion
The interview with Jay Zagorsky sheds light on an alternative perspective in the responsible gambling discourse. It challenges stakeholders in the gambling industry to reconsider the push for cashless gambling and to acknowledge the potential benefits of maintaining cash transactions. As the industry continues to innovate, it is crucial to balance technological advancements with strategies that promote responsible gambling behaviors.
About the No Line Podcast
The No Line podcast, hosted by Philip Beere, explores responsible gaming practices and industry trends. For more insights and discussions, listeners can access a complete list of past episodes on iTunes or the podcast's website.
Contact Information
For those interested in learning more about responsible gaming or sharing their organization's story, contact Philip Beere at philip@andmarketing.us
www.andmarketing.us
 
Note to Readers: This B2B article is based on an interview and presents the views of Professor Jay Zagorsky. It is intended for informational purposes and does not

Responsible Gambling at a Turning Point: Insights from the Gambling and Risk-Taking Conference The recent Gambling and Risk-Taking Conference, hosted by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), brought together industry experts to discuss the state of responsible gambling. In an interview with Alan Feldman, a distinguished fellow at UNLV, conducted by Philip Beere, Head of Marketing of Gaming Analytics and Host of the No Line Podcast, attendees were given valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities surrounding responsible gambling. With the conference taking place after a four-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a sense of urgency to address the lack of progress in promoting responsible gambling.
The Need for Improved Responsible Gambling Efforts Feldman highlighted the pressing need for more effective responsible gambling initiatives. Despite years of efforts, the uptake of responsible gambling measures has been minimal. Metrics such as self-exclusion sign-ups, self-limiting behaviors, and hotline calls have shown little change over the past three decades. Furthermore, the rise of sports betting has shifted the focus of hotline calls to account-related queries rather than addressing gambling behavior. It is clear that a more nuanced approach is needed to engage individuals and deliver the right message at the right time.
Redefining Responsible Gambling Feldman emphasized that responsible gambling should not solely be associated with problem gambling. The majority of individuals who gamble do so for enjoyment and do not experience harm. However, there is a significant number of people who may be at risk of harm but have not reached the clinical diagnosis of a gambling disorder. To effectively promote responsible gambling, the industry must find ways to deliver subtle and tailored messages that resonate with each individual, rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach.
Challenges in Messaging and Intervention The industry faces the challenge of crafting messages that influence behavioral change without alienating or stigmatizing individuals. Feldman drew parallels to successful marketing strategies used by various industries, emphasizing the importance of delivering the right message in the right way at the right time. He highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in revolutionizing responsible gambling efforts. AI could enable personalized interventions that provide course corrections and inform individuals about their gambling behavior in a non-intrusive manner.
The Role of Companies and Accountability Feldman commended the progress made by gambling companies in assigning dedicated staff members to responsible gambling initiatives. This accountability ensures that responsible gambling efforts extend beyond compliance requirements and become ingrained in the company culture. However, he emphasized the need for companies to go further by innovating and taking a proactive approach to responsible gambling. It is crucial for companies to view responsible gambling as an integral part of sustainability, focusing on helping customers become smarter gamblers and ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
UNLV’s Initiative and Future Outlook Feldman discussed UNLV’s efforts to study the intersection of gambling and health, aiming to explore the positive and negative aspects of gambling on individuals’ well-being. By understanding the motivations behind safe and healthy gambling behaviors, interventions and support can be tailored more effectively. The conversation surrounding responsible gambling has evolved significantly, incorporating data analysis, AI, and a focus on the broader community’s role in intervention.
Conclusion The Gambling and Risk-Taking Conference shed light on the need for a paradigm shift in responsible gambling. The industry must move beyond the traditional narrative of problem gambling and adopt a holistic approach that empha

During this interview with Earle G. Hall, CEO of AXES.ai, he shares the inspiration behind donating $150,000 to University of Nevada-Las Vegas for responsible gaming research.
Along with the monetary donation, AXES will donate anonymized data to support research and to predict problem gambling better.


Page body/content
Key moments:
00:52 Earle discusses the donation
01:38 The inspiration behind the donation
02:00 The benefit to students studying responsible gaming
02:28 anonymous data donation
02:50 increasing profit when implementing problem gambling prevention
03:20 The difference in AXES data compared to Sightline Payments data
04:41 The quantitative behavioral analysis from AXES
05:20 advice for an organization wanting to align with RG initiatives
05:57 about UNLV
06:20 moving the industry from gambling to entertainment
07:00 Reaction to the AXES announcement
10:23 Earle thanks the AXES team