Proposed program could detect ‘risky’ online gambling

A HI-TECH program that can tell when someone’s online gambling is causing them harm could be rolled out by the Victorian government.

Risky online gambling behaviour could be detected through a hi-tech program. Picture: iStock/Getty Images

THE Victorian government is trying to develop a hi-tech program that can tell when someone’s online gambling is causing them harm.

The Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation wants researchers to put forward proposals for algorithms that could identify when individual punters are gambling in a harmful way.

BOOKIES FEAR RUIN UNDER ‘WOWSER’ LAWS

Using data from at least three online bookies, the foundation believes signs, such as dramatically increased spending and frequency of betting, could identify risky gambling patterns of play.

Gamblers could also be interviewed by researchers to provide insights into their own betting patterns.

Experts estimate more than $1.4 billion is spent on online wagering every year.

The tender documents, seen by the Sunday Herald Sun, said the program would be a tool to allow wagering companies to intervene when punters started gambling too much.

Major reforms to the online gambling industry were agreed upon this week. Picture: AFP PHOTO/Karen Bleier

“Such algorithms have the potential to be an important tool in encouraging responsible gambling in the wagering market, as they allow for the wagering provider to intervene with players who are at risk, or for modifications to marketing to gamblers based on their risk levels,” it said.

An industry source said wagering companies were willing to work with the successful researcher and the government but were not convinced a computer algorithm could be developed to show harmful or problem online gambling.

The foundation said online gambling was always available and had blanket advertising during sporting events, with concerns it might normalise gambling for young people.

STUDENTS TAUGHT TO GAMBLE AT SCHOOL

The call for new research comes after it was announced during the week that online bookies would be banned from offering lines of credit.

Federal and state governments will also work together to stop online bookies including Sportsbet, William Hill and CrownBet using free bets and other inducements to entice punters to keep gambling.

Major reforms to the $1.4 billion online gambling industry were agreed upon this week.

These include a national self-­exclusion register so gamblers can block themselves from betting with all bookmakers on their phones, tablets and computers.

Human Services Minister Alan Tudge said the “practical, measured initiatives” could be in place by the end of the year.