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How a Psychiatrist Lost $400,000 on Gambling Apps

By The Wall Street Journal

In this episode of The Journal, psychiatrist Kavita Fischer shares her personal experience with online gambling addiction, highlighting the ease of access and alluring promotions offered by gambling apps like DraftKings. Her story of descending into compulsive behavior resonates with others at Gamblers Anonymous meetings, underscoring gambling addiction's widespread impact across demographics.

The episode also delves into the online gambling industry's questionable practices and lack of safeguards for vulnerable individuals. Fischer's interactions with her VIP host reveal concerning contradictions, raising questions about accountability and whether companies prioritize responsible gambling. This candid account not only reveals the addictive nature of online gambling but also prompts deeper reflection on the industry's role in enabling and addressing compulsive behavior.

How a Psychiatrist Lost $400,000 on Gambling Apps

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How a Psychiatrist Lost $400,000 on Gambling Apps

1-Page Summary

The ease of access to online gambling enabling Kavita's compulsive behavior

Kavita Fischer's engagement in online gambling, initially as a pandemic pastime, quickly turned into a pattern of compulsive behavior, largely facilitated by the easy accessibility to gambling apps on her phone. The switch from casino to mobile did not disrupt her habit; instead, it was amplified by the sociable elements of online gaming. Promotions and free play offers from platforms like DraftKings, along with the enticement of bonuses and contests, significantly contributed to Kavita's increasing gambling activities. Her dedication to the games was such that she found herself preoccupied with gambling during early morning hours, while attempting to maintain her responsibilities as a parent and professional.

Similarities between Kavita's story and other online gambling addicts

Kavita Fischer's story echoes a widespread pattern observed in individuals at Gamblers Anonymous meetings. These individuals span a diverse demographic range, united by their struggle with gambling addiction. Kavita’s awareness of this collective struggle provided her with comfort, and the variety of stories from people of different backgrounds reinforced the reality that gambling addiction does not discriminate. This collective realization helped reduce Kavita's self-blame and fostered a supportive environment for confronting her addiction.

Lack of accountability and safeguards around online gambling companies

The relationship between Kavita and her DraftKings VIP host highlights potential issues of insufficient protection for vulnerable gamblers within the online gambling industry. Kavita's experience of compulsive gambling was seemingly overlooked, even though she attempted to use safeguards like self-ban programs which she could not activate due to technical issues. When seeking reimbursement for losses incurred as a result, DraftKings directed her to external gambling addiction resources without addressing their possible role in her compulsive behavior. The VIP host’s conflicting actions, both encouraging responsible gambling and rewarding extended play, exemplifies the broader debate about the online gambling industry's responsibility in preventing addiction and addressing its risks effectively.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The sociable elements of online gaming typically involve features that allow players to interact with each other while playing, such as chat functions, multiplayer modes, and social networking integrations. These elements can enhance the gaming experience by fostering a sense of community, competition, and collaboration among players. In the context of online gambling, sociable elements may include chat rooms, leaderboards, and virtual events that create a social environment around the gambling activities. These features can make the gambling experience more engaging and immersive for users, potentially contributing to increased participation and time spent on the platform.
  • A DraftKings VIP host is a designated representative from the online gambling platform who caters to high-value or frequent players, offering personalized services, bonuses, and incentives to enhance their gambling experience. These hosts often maintain direct communication with players, providing them with exclusive offers and assistance, aiming to cultivate loyalty and increase engagement on the platform. The role of a VIP host is to build relationships with players, address their concerns, and encourage continued play, sometimes blurring the line between responsible gambling practices and promoting extended gambling sessions. In Kavita's case, her interactions with the DraftKings VIP host shed light on the potential complexities and ethical considerations surrounding the relationship between online gambling companies and vulnerable players.
  • Technical issues with self-ban programs can include difficulties in activating the ban due to glitches in the online platform or errors in the system. These issues may prevent individuals like Kavita from effectively implementing self-exclusion measures to control their gambling habits. When self-ban programs encounter technical problems, it can hinder the intended purpose of providing a tool for individuals to restrict their access to gambling activities. Such challenges can undermine the effectiveness of these programs in supporting individuals with gambling addiction.
  • External gambling addiction resources typically refer to organizations, hotlines, or support services that are independent of the gambling operators themselves. These resources are designed to provide assistance, counseling, and guidance to individuals struggling with gambling addiction. They offer a range of services such as helplines, therapy sessions, support groups, and information on responsible gambling practices. These external resources play a crucial role in helping individuals recognize and address their gambling problems, offering a pathway to recovery and support beyond what the gambling companies themselves may provide.

Counterarguments

  • Online gambling platforms, including DraftKings, may argue that they offer tools and resources to promote responsible gambling and that it is ultimately the responsibility of the individual to use these tools effectively.
  • The gambling industry might point out that they are heavily regulated and that they comply with legal requirements designed to protect consumers.
  • It could be argued that the sociable elements of online gaming are also present in many non-gambling online activities and that these features are not inherently problematic but rather a reflection of the social nature of humans.
  • Some might suggest that while promotions and bonuses can contribute to increased gambling, they are common marketing practices across many industries and are not designed to specifically target or exploit compulsive gamblers.
  • There may be a perspective that individuals with a predisposition to addiction could develop compulsive behaviors with a variety of activities, not just gambling, and that the issue is more complex than the availability of online gambling apps.
  • Regarding the effectiveness of self-ban programs, it could be argued that technical issues are not always within the control of the gambling company and that they do offer other avenues for support and self-exclusion.
  • The gambling industry might also argue that they contribute to the economy through job creation and tax revenues, and that many people engage in gambling as a form of entertainment without developing an addiction.
  • It could be pointed out that the role of a VIP host is to provide customer service and enhance the user experience, and that encouraging responsible gambling while offering rewards does not necessarily constitute a conflict of interest.
  • Some may argue that the responsibility for preventing addiction should not be placed solely on the industry, but should also involve a collaborative effort with policymakers, healthcare providers, and community support systems.

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How a Psychiatrist Lost $400,000 on Gambling Apps

The ease of access to online gambling enabling Kavita's compulsive behavior

The constant accessibility and targeted promotions of online gambling apps have played a significant role in nurturing the compulsive gambling habits of individuals like Kavita Fischer.

Kavita's initial introduction to online gambling during the pandemic

During the pandemic, Kavita Fischer, accustomed to occasional gambling at casinos, found herself isolated and working from home. She downloaded a casino app for the social feel of live gaming, starting to play craps with a live dealer. The transition from a sociable environment to her phone screen didn't hinder her engagement; rather, it fostered a new form of habit. The social aspect of the gaming community and interactions within the app seemed to fulfill her need for a connection during the isolation of the pandemic.

Transitioning from craps to slot games that offered free plays and contests

Seeking further engagement, Kavita was drawn to platforms like DraftKings for their offering of bonuses and contests. The app's promotion strategies, such as pop-ups that encouraged trying new games or opportunities to recoup losses through credit back events, captivated her.

The constant availability of online gambling on phones

Kavita's gambling habits escalated as she found herself routinely checking the apps during her free time and staying up late—often to as late as 4 or 5 AM—to chase her losses. This compulsive behavior took place outside her work hours and parenting responsibilities, as she made efforts to keep her phone and, thereby, the gambling apps literally at arm's length during her workday or when with her children.

Attempts to quit thwarted by gambling companies

Despite Kavita's intentions to quit, gambling companies' strategies to keep consumers playing such as bonuses, promotions, and VIP statuses made it particularly challenging for her to stop.

Bonuses and promotions incentivizing continued play

After losing significant amounts of money, Kavita received an email congratulating her on achieving VIP status, with associated rewards that only further incentivized her to continue gambling in hopes of recoveri ...

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The ease of access to online gambling enabling Kavita's compulsive behavior

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Craps is a dice game commonly played in casinos where players bet on the outcome of the roll or a series of rolls. Slot games, also known as slot machines, are popular casino games where players spin reels to match symbols and win prizes. Both craps and slot games are forms of gambling entertainment found in casinos and online platforms. These games offer different experiences and gameplay mechanics for players seeking varied forms of entertainment and potential winnings.
  • DraftKings is a popular online gambling platform that offers a variety of games like sports betting and casino games. The platform attracts users with bonuses, contests, and promotions to encourage continued play. VIP status on DraftKings provides personalized attention, special offers, and rewards to incentivize users to keep gambling. The company uses strategies like targeted emails and personalized bonuses to engage users and make it challenging for them to quit.
  • VIP status in online gambling typically involves a tiered system where players are rewarded for their loyalty and high levels of play. Players with VIP status often receive special perks such as exclusive bonuses, personalized customer service, faster withdrawals, and invitations to VIP events. These perks are designed to incentivize players to continue gambling and to make them feel valued by the gambling platform. VIP status can create a sense of exclusivity and speci ...

Counterarguments

  • Online gambling apps provide a source of entertainment and can be used responsibly by many individuals.
  • Some people may have turned to online gambling during the pandemic as a coping mechanism, but not all develop compulsive behaviors.
  • The social aspect of online gambling can be a double-edged sword, potentially leading to both positive social interactions and negative compulsive behaviors.
  • Users have personal responsibility and agency in how they respond to promotions and bonuses offered by gambling platforms.
  • Many individuals are able to balance their gambling habits with other aspects of their lives without it becoming compulsive.
  • Gambling companies are businesses that operate within the regulatory frameworks, and their marketing strategies are common across many industries.
  • Bonuses and promotions are standard marketing tools used to engage customers, not just in gambling but in various sectors.
  • VIP status and personalized attention are common loyalty program strategies used across different service industries to enhance customer experience.
  • The relationship with a VIP host is similar to customer s ...

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How a Psychiatrist Lost $400,000 on Gambling Apps

Similarities between Kavita's story and other online gambling addicts

Kavita's experience with online gambling addiction reflects a common narrative found among diverse individuals who attend Gamblers Anonymous (GA) meetings.

Attendance at Gamblers Anonymous revealing struggle across demographics

When Kavita attended her first GA meeting, she found an unexpected source of emotional support. She was moved to find that the people sharing their experiences came from a broad spectrum of society, encompassing various genders, ages, and occupations.

Relief and reduced self-blame realizing "this could happen to anyone"

This realization brought Kavita a significant sense of relief. Recognizing the widespread nature of the issue, she began to blame herself less for her circumstances. Understanding that her strugg ...

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Similarities between Kavita's story and other online gambling addicts

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Gamblers Anonymous (GA) meetings are support group gatherings specifically designed for individuals struggling with gambling addiction. These meetings provide a safe space for attendees to share their experiences, seek guidance, and offer support to one another in overcoming their addiction. GA follows a 12-step program similar to Alcoholics Anonymous, focusing on personal accountability, self-reflection, and support from peers who understand the challenges of compulsive gambling. Participation in GA meetings can be a crucial part of the recovery process for individuals dealing with gambling addiction.
  • Online gambling addiction is a compulsive behavior where individuals are unable to control their urge to gamble online, leading to negative consequences in various aspects of their lives. It involves excessive and frequent gambling on internet-based platforms, such as online casinos or betting websites. This addiction can result in financial problems, relationship difficulties, and emotional distress. Like other forms of addiction, online gambling addiction can be challenging to overcome and may require professional help and support.
  • Kavita's story of online gambling addiction is similar to other addicts' experiences at Gamblers Anonymous, showing common struggles and emotions shared among individuals dealing with this issue. The connection lies in the shared themes of emotional support, relief from self-blame, and the understanding that addiction can affect anyone, ...

Counterarguments

  • While Kavita's experience is common, it's important to note that individual experiences with addiction can vary greatly, and not all addicts may find the same level of support or commonality in GA meetings.
  • The demographics of GA attendees might not fully represent the diversity of the entire population of online gambling addicts, as not all individuals seek or have access to such support groups.
  • Emotional support from a group does not necessarily equate to effective treatment for everyone; some individuals may require more personalized or professional therapy.
  • The realization that addiction is widespread and can happen to anyone might not be comforting to all; some individuals may find this realization overwhelming or distressing.
  • While addiction is non-discriminatory in whom it can affect, societal factors such as socioeconomic status, education, and access to resources can influence the likelihood of someone developing an addiction a ...

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How a Psychiatrist Lost $400,000 on Gambling Apps

Lack of accountability and safeguards around online gambling companies

The concerning relationship between a gambler named Kavita and her VIP host at DraftKings has highlighted the potential lack of accountability and safeguards within online gambling companies, raising questions about their duty to protect vulnerable gamblers.

Limited oversight around duty to protect vulnerable gamblers

The behavior of Kavita's VIP host at DraftKings, such as adding $500 to her account after she conveyed doing "terribly," underscores the possibility of inadequate oversight intended to protect susceptible individuals. Kavita's struggle with compulsive gambling seemed evident through the amount of time she spent on the app, which she requested to be addressed.

Unfortunately, her attempts to self-ban from gambling through a program were thwarted by persistent technical errors during the signup process, resulting in her accruing more debt over several months. When Kavita sought to be reimbursed for part of her losses, DraftKings refused and instead provided her with contact information for gambling hotlines and website links to gambling addiction resources. After facing initial denials due to discrepancies in her information, Kavita applied to the state to be banned from gambling and eventually succeeded in getting her self-exclusion request approved.

Open debate whether companies adequately address addiction risks

The practices of Kavita's VIP host have brought attention to the ongoing debate over whether online ...

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Lack of accountability and safeguards around online gambling companies

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • In online gambling, VIP hosts are assigned to high-value players to provide personalized services and incentives to encourage continued gambling. These hosts often build relationships with players to enhance their gaming experience and increase their loyalty to the platform. VIP hosts may offer perks like bonuses, credits, and exclusive offers to keep players engaged and spending on the site. However, there can be ethical concerns if these hosts do not adequately consider or address the potential risks of gambling addiction among their players.
  • The self-ban process in gambling allows individuals to voluntarily exclude themselves from gambling activities. In this case, Kavita attempted to self-ban from gambling through a program but faced technical errors during the signup process. These errors prevented her from successfully excluding herself, leading to continued gambling and accruing more debt over time. Despite her efforts, the technical issues delayed her self-exclusion and financial recovery process.
  • Industry practices regarding responsible gaming encompass measures taken by gambling companies to promote safe and controlled gambling behaviors among their customers. This includes providing tools for self-exclusion, setting deposit limits, offering resources for gambling addiction support, and training staff to identify and assist individuals showing signs of problem gambling. These practices aim to balance business interests with social responsibility, ensuring that gambling remains an enjoyable form of entertainment without causing harm to vulnerable individuals. The effectiveness and implementation of responsible gaming practices vary across different companies and jurisdictions. ...

Counterarguments

  • Online gambling companies may argue that they have implemented responsible gaming features and that it is ultimately the responsibility of the individual to use these tools effectively.
  • There could be a perspective that the relationship between Kavita and her VIP host is an isolated incident and not representative of the industry as a whole.
  • Some may argue that the presence of technical errors during the self-ban signup process is not necessarily indicative of a systemic issue but could be random glitches that are being addressed.
  • It could be argued that reimbursing gamblers for their losses sets a precedent that is not sustainable for the business model of gambling companies.
  • The industry might claim that they are investing in new technologies and programs to better identify and assist problem gamblers.
  • There may be an argument that the provision of a $250 credit by the VIP host was part of a standard promotional activity and not intended to target vulnerable individuals specifically.
  • Some could argue that the debate on the adequacy of online betting companies' efforts to address addiction risks is complex and th ...

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