Inquiry Post 3: Ethical, legal, and responsibility considerations

For my next inquiry post, I want to discuss ethical and legal considerations and responsibilities in online gambling. The TED Talk by James Kosta raises questions about responsibility in the online gambling industry, particularly in relation to ethics and regulation. As online gambling continues to expand, it becomes important to examine both individual behavior and the role that companies and systems play in this behaviour.

One of the central ethical concerns discussed is the balance between profit and player protection. Online gambling platforms are designed to maximize engagement, using strategies that encourage users to keep playing. While these strategies may be legal, they raise ethical questions about whether companies are prioritizing revenue over user wellbeing. This is concerning given that some users may be more vulnerable to developing gambling problems. 

From a legal perspective, regulations attempt to create safeguards such as age restrictions, licensing requirements, and responsible gambling tools. However, Kosta’s talk suggests that having these measures in place is not enough. If platforms are still designed in ways that encourage excessive use, then regulation may be addressing the symptoms rather than the root problem. This makes me wonder if current laws are keeping up with the realities of harm in these digital environments? 

In the TED Talk, another key issue brought up was shared responsibility. Gambling is usually framed as an individual choice, placing responsibility on the user to gamble responsibly. However, James Kosta challenges this by emphasizing that companies also have a responsibility to create safer environments. This includes being transparent about risks, limiting harmful design features, and supporting users who may be struggling. Is it enough for online gambling companies to follow the law, or should they be held to a higher ethical standard?

Though these questions have been raised, In my research I have failed to see any change regarding ethical responsibilities of platforms and companies. This change is talked about, however it seems that no moves are being made to hold anyone accountable. After this research, it has made me realize why personal digital literacy on online gambling is so important, because if societal rules are not going to change, then it is up to individuals to inform themselves and hold themselves accountable. This leads me to want to explore specific strategies of how individuals can do this.