Geolocation Could Help Fight Problem Gambling

One topic that is often brought up by opponents of online gambling is the effect it will have on problem gamblers. Opponents often contend that giving problem gamblers more outlets to indulge their habit will only make treating their problem more difficult.

However, what opponents don’t realize is that it is likely easier to identify and root out problem gamblers online than it is in conventional forms gambling, provided the correct responsible gaming tools are in place.

If online casinos and poker rooms share information about who is a problem gambler then they can collectively lock that person out, ensuring the particular individual can no longer access any of their services.

Geolocation tools can help online gaming businesses keep track of problem gamblers by adding the location information of individuals identified as problem gamblers.

Of course, this information is only useful if it is incredibly accurate. Traditional IP geolocation, which is only able to locate an individual within miles of their actual location, will simply not suffice. Wi-fi geolocation and GPS, however, could provide the level of accuracy required to guarantee the location of a problem gambler.

Although these two forms of geolocation could provide the required accuracy they are also able to be spoofed by people with a moderate degree of computer expertise. Thus, a geolocation solution designed to detect software and systems commonly used to spoof wi-fi and GPS would have to be in place.

The ability to accurately locate problem gamblers proves that geolocation is about more than just regulations and compliance. Geolocation can help combat the very problems that gambling opponents worry about and help ensure people gamble responsibly.