Keith Whyte on the hidden harm of foreigner-only casino policies [Podcast]

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Keith Whyte is the Executive Director of the National Council on Problem Gambling. He talks with Asia Gaming Brief’s Asia Editor Felix Ng about foreigner-only casino policies and their effectiveness in tackling problem gambling amongst the domestic population.

Keith Whyte is the Executive Director of the National Council on Problem Gambling. Felix Ng is interested in the effectiveness of foreigner-only casino policies. Keith's opinion on this topic is mixed. He's one of most widely respected experts in problem gambling. He has written numerous articles and studies on gaming issues.

Keith Whyte and Felix Ng discuss the negative effects of foreigner-only casino policies. They think it can drive gambling addiction across the border or underground. They also think that it often leads to a binge effect. It rarely leads the people to moderation. The people bring their gambling problems back home. i.e. they bring the addiction with them. There is a potential for this. to happen. in some places. South Korea, Nepal and Vietnam have foreigner only casinos. Felix thinks it's a problem in these places as well. In South Korean’s case, a lot of people end up going to the Philippines.

Keith Whyte is concerned about the hidden harm of foreigner-only casino policies. He thinks they are ineffective at reducing gambling addiction. He also believes that some physical barriers to prevent people from gambling may be less effective than others. Keith Whyt is also concerned that the more likely you are to have a gambling habit, the less these features matter. The more attractive gambling is, the harder it is to control it. It is a fact that casinos were often placed in remote or inaccessible locations. They were also surrounded by a body of water. Las Vegas is surrounded with a desert, Macau is an island, Atlantic City is on a lake.

Keith Whyte advises the government of Singapore and Japan on their casino policy. He says that an entry levy for locals is not effective in deterring gambling addiction. Felix Ng is also an expert on the hidden harm of foreigner-only casino policies. i.e. they are not a good idea. They are ineffective in preventing gambling, addiction and other reasons. i e. for other people with gambling problems. It is an unintended effect of an Entry Levy. it is hard to curb gambling. addiction, but it has an impact on people who are already addicted.

Keith Whyte and Felix Ng discuss the hidden harm of foreigner-only casino policies. They argue that entry levies are less effective for people who have already started gambling and are progressing on the path to develop an addiction. They recommend public health policies to deter gambling addiction on a societal level. The podcast is available on iTunes. It is also available in German.

Keith Whyte is an expert on gambling. He believes Singapore's approach to gambling regulation is excellent. Japan is going to adopt a similar approach. Keith Whytte believes there is less stigma about gambling in newer jurisdictions. There will be more apps and technological solutions in Japan. It will focus on public health campaigns and strict Responsible Gambling measures. The casino is required to offer a comprehensive set of protections. They include limit setting, self exclusion, employee training. and other features that are designed to minimize harm. In the Philippines, they added about 200 people in the last year.