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Open Access 01-08-2021 | Public Health | Original Article

Corporate social responsibility vs. financial interests: the case of responsible gambling programs

Authors: Ingo Fiedler, Sylvia Kairouz, Jennifer Reynolds

Published in: Journal of Public Health | Issue 4/2021

Abstract

Aim

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is supposed to play an important part in public health. Critics argue that opposing financial interests can prevent companies from implementing effective CSR programs. We shed light on this discussion by analyzing CSR programs of gambling operators.

Subjects and methods

Two data sets are used: (1) seven responsible gambling (RG) programs of German slot machine hall operators and (2) a survey carried out among 512 problem gamblers in treatment who play primarily in slot machines halls.

Results

Results show that the RG programs list mostly mandatory measures with one major exception: to approach possible problem gamblers with the intention to help them. However, operators’ staff approach only 1% of problem gamblers.

Conclusion

We argue that the observed ineffective implementation of voluntary CSR measures is grounded in the strong financial incentive of operators to serve precisely the group they should stop from playing: problem gamblers. We conclude that financial interests reduce the effectiveness of CSR.

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Title: Corporate social responsibility vs. financial interests: the case of responsible gambling programs
Authors: Ingo Fiedler
Sylvia Kairouz
Jennifer Reynolds
Publication date: 01-08-2021
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keyword: Public Health
Published in: Journal of Public Health / Issue 4/2021
Print ISSN: 2198-1833
Electronic ISSN: 1613-2238
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-020-01219-w

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Corporate social responsibility vs. financial interests: the case of responsible gambling programs

Abstract

Aim

Subjects and methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Aim

Subjects and methods

Results

Conclusion

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