Jody Bechtold: We have an epidemic of younger bettors in trouble

In the second part of the Safer Gambling Talks interview with Jody Bechtold, CEO of The Better Institute, Šimon Vincze, Casino Guru's Head of Sustainable & Safer Gambling, pivots the discussion towards the work of the International Problem Gambling and Gaming Certification Organization (IPGGC), which sets the global standard for qualified professionals supporting individuals affected by problem gambling and gaming disorders.

Bechtold highlights the importance of IPGGC’s work, noting that the clinical trial alone is not enough to address the need for certified professionals. This is why the organization is pushing to expand standards for providing qualified gambling help.

In her interview, Bechtold meticulously breaks down the entire process, arguing that a clinical psychiatrist would most likely still be at a disadvantage against an IPGGC-certified expert, who has undergone hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of hours of training, supervision, and application of what they have learned.

The process is meticulous, and the resulting professionals are capable of offering actual help to those who need it. Certifications matter, Bechtold argues, as they are proof that someone spent the time and effort to actually acquire the skills necessary to assist with gambling-related problems.

Specifically, there is evidence that patients, referring to problem gamblers, who receive treatment from certified specialists are more likely to make a recovery, because of that certification.

The conversation also focuses on the need to do more when it comes to young children who are already exposed to gambling products and may need even more help to steer clear of addictive behavior.

Even more pressingly, Bechtold has called the status quo an "epidemic" of young sports gamblers who experience various challenges in their lives because of their gambling behavior. To her, it’s not just about getting certified help, but rather ensuring that regulators and governments work together to introduce strong prevention measures.

Yet, operators themselves should also play a bigger role in this entire process. Without actual integrations with the way the industry works, Bechtold argues, any intervention would be only "after the fact."

You can also watch Part I of the interview with Jody Bechtold and ŠimonVincze here.

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