WO2008110905A2

WO2008110905A2 - System and method for identifying a compulsive gambler

Info

Publication number: WO2008110905A2
Application number: PCT/IB2008/000586
Authority: WO
Inventors: Amir Shmuel Reosenheimer
Original assignee: Cell2Bet Ltd
Priority date: 2007-03-13
Filing date: 2008-03-13
Publication date: 2008-09-18
Also published as: WO2008111025A2; WO2008110905A3

Abstract

A gambler evaluation system includes means for diagnosing and identifying a pathological gambler that is gambling over a cellular network connected to a gambling service provider. The system includes a processor, a database of gamblers and a set of rules for diagnosing a user. An aspect of the gambler evaluation system of the present invention is also to perform educational activities to prevent pathological gambling.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING A COMPULSIVE GAMBLER

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is related to, and claims priority from, Provisional patent application No. 60894460 having the same title, filed in USA on 13 March 2007 by the present inventor.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[Para 1] This invention relates to mobile phone gambling and more particularly to a system and methods for identifying compulsive gamblers participating in mobile phone lotteries and games of chance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND PRIOR ART

Gambling services are widespread and growing fast. An undesired aspect of gambling is the presence of compulsive gamblers.

[Para 2] With the successful expansion of gambling to the internet and interactive television (iTV) over the past few years, the next step is for gambling services to expand to the mobile handset. With respect to the revenues that mobile phone service providers receive from mobile entertainment, after digital music, games of chance and gambling are predicted to be the big drivers (Lara Srivastava & Rod Kirwan, Key issues in the Evolution to Always-on Mobile Multimedia Environments: Part 1 , 1 2 Computer & Telecommunications Law Review 243, 245 2006 ). Lotteries have been identified as ideal candidates for a mass market gambling offering (BRUCE GIBSON, GAMBLING ON MOBILE - THIRD EDITION 2- Juniper Research 2006).

[Para 3] A 2006 study by Juniper Research predicts that there is great potential for substantial mobile gambling revenues and estimates that mobile gambling will comprise nearly one-third of ail mobile entertainment revenues by 2009, and lotteries will be the most successful mobile gambling sector, accounting for over 40% of mobile gambling revenues.

[Para 4] The expected large mobile gambling revenues, has also prompted many intellectual property activity in the field, which suggest mostly gambling system to be used over cellular networks. W0/2005/084768 discloses a system and method for wireless remote access based gaming for lottery games text message application. W0/2005/015458 discloses a system whereby any person can use a mobile telephone in order to make a lottery purchase mobile telephone provider debits the customer's account or a prepaid balance. W0/2002/054355 discloses a method and system for the conduct of lottery games over a telecommunication network. WO/2001/089233 discloses a communication method for wireless participation in a betting system.

[Para 5] None of the prior art patents deals with pathological gambling habits of users that gamble using cell phones. There are no patents that describe software components that identified pathological gambling users.

There are no patents that describe software components that can perform diagnosis of pathological gambling users. There are no patents that perform educational activities to prevent pathological gambling.

[Para 6] Regulation by governments is identified as the most significant constraint on the market development of mobile gambling and lotteries, mainly because governments have taken an interest in regulating the gambling industry both for the stated reason of "public interest" as well as for the often unstated reason of protecting vested interests in what can be a significant source of income.

[Para 7] Pathological gambling is a gambling behavior which causes disruptions in any major area of life: psychological, physical, social or vocational. The term "Problematic Gambling" includes, but is not limited to, the condition known as "Pathological", or "Compulsive" Gambling, a progressive addiction characterized by increasing preoccupation with gambling, a need to bet more money more frequently, restlessness or irritability when attempting to stop, "chasing" losses, and loss of control manifested by continuation of the gambling behavior in spite of mounting, serious, negative consequences (The National Council on Problem Gambling - Washington, D.C).

[Para 8] The awareness to the compulsive gaming problem is rising. Betting organizations invest effort and money to solve this problem. This is due to regulations and social involvement of such organizations. The efforts are concentrating on education, gambler identification, increasing gambler awareness and therapeutic treatments.

[Para 9] Thus, there is a need and it will be advantageous to have a gambler evaluation system and method for diagnosing and identifying pathological gambling users, and perform educational activities to prevent pathological gambling.

[Para 10] The term "gambling" as used herein refers to wagering of money or something of material value on an event with an uncertain outcome with the primary intent of winning additional money and/or material goods. Typically the outcome of the wager is evident within a short period of time. Gaming in this context is normally used to describe instances where the activity has been specifically legalized by applicable laws or where the activity is exempted from the criminal laws. The two words are not mutually exclusive. Gaming companies offer legalized gambling activities to the public. [Para 11] The term "lottery" as used herein refers to a popular form of gambling which involves the drawing of lots for a prize. Some governments forbid endorse lotteries to the extent of organizing a national lottery. It is common to find some degree of regulation of lottery by governments.

[Para 12] The term "game of chance" as used herein refers a game whose outcome is strongly influenced by some randomizing device, and upon which contestants frequently wager money. Common devices used include dice, spinning tops, playing cards, roulette wheels or numbered balls drawn from a container.

[Para 13] The term "Compulsive gambler" as used herein refers to a gambler who gambles continuously. A compulsive gambler can gamble 24 hours a day and will try to manipulate in order to continue to bet.

[Para 14] The term "Heavy gambler" as used herein refers to a gambler who is a heavy but non-compulsive gambler. A heavy gambler gambles daily or weekly, puts a lot of attention and money on betting and the betting amount rise constantly.

[Para 15] The term "Social gambler" as used herein refers to a gambler who bets for fun. The gambling activity is not important to a social gambler and after cessation of the gambling activity, the social gambler continues in his life as usual.

[Para 16] The term "Compulsive gambler profile" as used herein refers to the features characterizing a compulsive gambler. A compulsive gambler profile may include the following elements:

a) average age: 37 (the average age is decreasing over the years;

b) usually is a male; c) usually is a salaried employee;

d) usually is a graduate of 12 years of education;

e) usually is a Native-born;

f) gambles every day;

g) usually is a heavy smoker and drinks a lot of coffee;

h) usually has another compulsive gambler in his family;

i) denies his problem;

j) suffers from depression;

k) usually gambles a few times a day; and/or

1) other.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention aims to automatically detect compulsive gamblers, then optionally taking various actions to prevent or discourage compulsive gambling.

[Para 17] The main goals of the present invention include providing a gambler evaluation system capable of diagnosing and identifying pathological gambling users that are gambling over a cellular network connected to a gambling service provider (GSP), such as a lottery. [Para 18] An aspect of the gambler evaluation system of the present invention is to perform educational activities to prevent pathological gambling.

[Para 19] According to the present invention, there is provided a gambler evaluation system including a processor, a database of gamblers, a set of rules for diagnosing a user and a communication means for communicating with other databases and for allowed entities to communicate with the database of gamblers.

The database of gamblers is built from data collected from the database of the cellular services provider and from data collected from the database of the lottery services provider.

[Para 20] An aspect of the present invention is to provide information about compulsive gamblers and/or gamblers that are in danger of becoming compulsive gamblers, to authorized or allowed entities.

[Para 21] Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the present description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become fully understood from the detailed description given herein and the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of illustration and example only and are thus not limitative of the present invention, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of the interaction of the gambler evaluation system, according to embodiments of the present invention, with other entities;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of the gambler evaluation system according to embodiments of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a flow diagram which illustrates an algorithm for evaluating the compulsiveness of a gambler, in accordance to embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a table usable for evaluating gamblers;

FIG. 5 details, in flow chart form, a method for evaluating gamblers based on possibly partial information;

FIG. 6 details, in flow chart form, a computing method for evaluating gamblers;

FIG. 7 details, in flow chart form, a learning, dynamic adaptive computing method for evaluating gamblers.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[Para 22] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example, so as to convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[Para 23] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The methods and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[Para 24] By way of introduction, the principal intentions of the present invention include providing a gambler evaluation system capable of diagnosing and identifying pathological gambling users that are gambling over a cellular network connected to a gambling service provider. An aspect of the gambler evaluation system of the present invention is also to perform educational activities to prevent pathological gambling.

[Para 25] Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which is a schematic illustration of the interaction of a gambler evaluation system 100, according to embodiments of the present invention, with other entities. When a gambler 10 is engaged in a gambling session with a provider such as a lottery service provider 200, using a network 350 of mobile phone provider 300, gambler evaluation system 100 can inquire the lottery service provider database 210, the mobile phone provider database 310 and/or other databases, such as database 260 of financial institutions 250, to obtain information about gambler 10 and his/her gambling activities.

The gambler evaluation system 100 may include a gamblers database 120 and processing means 102. The system 100 may perform the gambler evaluation methods as detailed in the present disclosure. The results of the evaluation may be that the gambler is either compulsive or not. Optionally, an indication of a marginal gambler may also be provided.

[Para 26] Reference is now also made to FIG. 2, which is a schematic illustration of the gambler evaluation system 100 according to embodiments of the present invention. System control unit 110 is informed on a gambling session initiated by a user 10 with a provider such as a lottery service provider 200, taking place over the cellular network of a mobile phone provider 300.

If the user 10 is new to the system control unit 110 or if some information about user 10 is missing or for any other reason, system control unit 110 can inquire and receive data about user 10 from the lottery service provider database 210, the mobile phone provider database 310 and/or other databases, such as database 260 of financial institutions 250.

[Para 27] If user 10 is "known" to gambler evaluation system 100, system control unit 110 looks up the type of gambler user 10 is. A gambler 10 carries a "grade" evaluating him/her as to how much of a compulsive gambler, gambler 10 is. System control unit 110 refines the "grade" of gambler 10 according to the current session or, for a new gambler, system control unit 110 assigns gambler 10 a default "grade" evaluating him/her as to how much of a compulsive gambler user 10 is.

The grade may be assigned based on information obtained from external sources, the information including: age, name, known compulsive gambler in the family, etc. Gambler's 10 data and "grade" can be saved in a gamblers database 120, in a table or in any other data structure known in the art. If user 10 is "known" to gambler evaluation system 100 as a compulsive gambler, system control unit 110 can block compulsive gambler 10 from gambling. The decision to block the gambler 10 may be conditional upon previous programming in the system 100.

[Para 28] Reference is now made to FIG. 3 which is a flow diagram illustrating an algorithm 400 for evaluating the compulsiveness of a gambler 10, in accordance to embodiments of the present invention. A gambling session begins in step 410 when a user 10 signs into a gambling session with a provider such as a lottery service provider 200, using a mobile phone provider 300. The example method 400 continuous as follows:

Step 420: notify gambler evaluation system 100 on a new gambling session.

Gambler evaluation system 100 receives information on a new gambling session. The information includes data on user 10 and about the gambling session features. The information on user 10 may include the following information: full name, ID number, Driver's license number, address, and/or family member having a compulsive gambling problem.

The information on user 10 may also include any other personal data. The information on the gambling session features may include the following information: time and date, type of game and/or betting amount. The information on the gambling session features may also include any other feature characterizing the gambling session and gambler's 10 behavior.

Step 430: gambler evaluation system 100 checks if user 10 is a first time user.

If user 10 is a first time user, gambler evaluation system 100 proceeds to step 440; if user 10 is "known", gambler evaluation system 100 proceeds to step 450.

Step 440: gambler evaluation system 100 evaluates the behavior of gambler 10.

The behavior of gambler 10 is evaluated and graded, based on, for example, a predefined set of profiles of compulsive gamblers, heavy but non-compulsive gamblers or social gamblers. Compulsive gamblers are the main focus of the gambler evaluation system 100 of the present invention, but the Heavy gamblers are also of the present invention interest.

Each gambler 10 gets a score for each element in the profile and the scores are added up, thereby producing a compulsive gambler "grade", which is assigned to gambler 10. If the assigned grade is above some threshold Thrl, gambler 10 is labeled as a compulsive gambler. If the assigned grade is above some threshold Thr2 (typically Thr2<Thrl), gambler 10 is labeled as a heavy gambler. Otherwise, gambler 10 is labeled as a social gambler. Gambler evaluation system 100 may also initiate a series of questions to user 10, in optional step 432. After evaluating the answers to the questions, a decision is made whether the questioned user is just a social gambler, a heavy gambler or a compulsive gambler. The evaluation of the question is done based on the rules stored in rules database 130, which may include, for example, the following rules for identifying a compulsive gambler:

a) a person that gambles daily;

b) a person that gambles more than n times a day;

c) a person that gambles on amounts greater than a threshold amount m;

d) a person that was told by an authorized person that he is a compulsive gambler;

e) a person that has a compulsive gambler in the immediate family; and/or

T) others.

Step 450: gambler evaluation system 100 fetches gambler's 10 grade & profile from gamblers database 120.

Step 460: gambler evaluation system 100 checks if gambler's 10 is a compulsive gambler.

If user 10 is a compulsive gambler, gambler evaluation system 100 proceeds to step 480, if user 10 is not a compulsive gambler, gambler evaluation system 100 proceeds to step 470.

Step 470: gambler evaluation system 100 stores/updates gambler's 10 grade & profile.

Once gambler 10 has been assigned with a grade, his personal data, grade and profile are stored/updated in gamblers database 120.

Step 480: gambler evaluation system 100 limits compulsive gambler's 10 activities.

Optionally, gambler evaluation system 100 can limit compulsive gambler's 10 activities. Compulsive gambler 10 can be prevented from gambling all together, the amounts he can bet can be limited, the total amount of all bets can be limited and/or he can be limited in any other way.

Step 490: gambler evaluation system 100 informs allowed entities 50 about an identified compulsive gambler 10.

Optionally, gambler evaluation system 100 can inform allowed entities about an identified compulsive gambler 10 and in some cases, also about a heavy gambler 10. The allowed entities 50 can be regulatory agents or any other governmental agencies and/or authorized agent/agency.

Allowed entities 50 may also access gamblers database 120 of evaluation system 100 and make inquiries about a gambler 10.

In embodiments of the present invention, the information provided by gambler evaluation system 100 to allowed entities 50 may also include the behavior profile of a compulsive gambler 10 and recommends methods of treatment.

[Para 29] In embodiments of the present invention, gambler evaluation system 100 may perform educational and promotional activities to prevent pathological gambling. Such educational and promotional activities can save heavy and other gamblers from becoming compulsive gamblers. They can also direct heavy and compulsive gamblers to agencies that can help them recover from their ill condition. According to gambler's 10 grade warnings and awareness publication are initiated. In case of a compulsive gambler, notifications to the relevant authorities are sent. The authorities should increase the public awareness of the gambler's compulsive problem and provide him with support and tools to eliminate his problem.

[Para 30] To perform the educational and promotional activities, gambler evaluation system 100 performs includes a sub system that initiates publication and thus awareness and warning of gambler's grade. The educational and promotional subsystem may include, for example:

a) Awareness of the gambler's being a compulsive gambler, treatment methods and institutions that can help;

b) Awareness of Heavy gambler that he is in an unstable stage that can bring him to a compulsive gambler stage;

c) Awareness of social gambler that such issue exists; and

d) Other issues.

The educational and promotional subsystem may send awareness notes through the cellular system in the different cellular protocols (SMS, Wap, Xhtml, etc.). The awareness notices can also be delivered by any other communication means, such as Email, regular mail, phone, fax, etc. Publications can be delivered to relevant person's homes according to the information gathered from the cellular providers and/or according to other sources of information. FIG. 4 illustrates a table usable for evaluating gamblers, usable with the system and method of the present invention. The table may be stored in the database 120 (see Figs. 1, 2). In this example, a bi-dimensional table is illustrated; in one dimensions there may be:

* Parameters 1031 , a possible list thereof being listed there

* Sub-parameters 1032, various ranges or values being specified, such as age range for Parameter AGE, Primary/High school/Academic/Advanced for EDUCATION, etc.

* Grade 1033, a value assigned to each parameter and each sub-parameter therein

* Weight 1034, indicating the relative importance assigned to each parameter

* Final grade 1035

* Max. grade 1036, the maximum possible value of the grade in that parameter

In the other dimension:

* in the Parameter column, there are various relevant parameters which may be indicative of a gambler's being a compulsive gambler

* in subsequent locations in the table, entering values corresponding to the column and row to which they belong.

By filling the table as data becomes available, enough information is gathered and compiled as to allow a decision to be reached. Fig. 4 illustrates a bi-dimensional table. Alternatively, a tri-dimensional table may be implemented: a plurality of bi-dimensional tables are drawn, each for a different location (for each continent, country or region of a country, different parameters are specified). Alternatively, the plurality of bi-dimensional tables belong to different values of another parameter (not location).

FIG. 5 details, in flow chart form, a method for evaluating gamblers based on possibly partial information:

Step 501: the number of known parameters is checked against a threshold K. If above the threshold, proceed to evaluate the gambler (possibly enough information has been gathered).

Step 502: the cumulative weight (sum of the weights Wi of known parameters in the Table in Fig. 4) is checked against a threshold M. If above the threshold, proceed to evaluate the gambler (possibly enough information has been gathered).

Step 503: the combination of (Number of known parameters) and (Cumulative weight) each above a certain prespecified threshold; if positive, proceed to evaluate the gambler (possibly enough information has been gathered).

Step 504: if still below the specified threshold but close to it nevertheless, initiate a further effort to gain some of the still missing information (Step 505).

Step 506: There may be a list of Must-have parameters; if such a list was specified, then check whether all these parameters are present; if positive, then proceed to Step 507, else goto Step 501.

Step 507: Gambler evaluation, using for example the Table in Fig. 4. ** End of method **

FIG. 6 details, in flow chart form, a computing method for evaluating gamblers:

Step 511: Check whether all the parameters are known. If yes, goto Step 513. If no, got Step 512.

Step 512: Compute modified weights (Wi in the Table of Fig. 4) for the known parameters; these weights are proportionally increased (by multiplication with a common coefficient) so their sum is 1, or 100% .

Step 513: Compute the grade, using the values of known parameters and their weights (modified weights if necessary), as a sum of products.

Step 514: Compute Max. grade, the maximum possible grade.

Step 515: Making a decision on the contemplated gambler, whether he/she is a compulsive gambler or not, based on the above computed grades and predefined threshold values.

Optionally, a Marginal gambler class is also defined and the decision may have one of three possible outcomes: Compulsive gambler Yes or No, or Marginal.

** End of method **

It should be stressed that the present system and method is flexible and adaptable to real-life conditions, for example: In various locations, there may be different relevant parameters, or the parameters may assume varying degrees of relevancy (relative weight); the criteria for evaluating gamblers may evolve or change over time; as new games and gaming technologies become available, as well as changes in public's mood and/or global or local trends, new criteria may be deemed necessary.

A possible method for adapting the present invention to the above and other variables is illustrated in Fig. 7:

Step 521: Initial setting or update of the list of parameters used and their weights. The parameters may be set according to location, time and/or other considerations.

Step 522: Evaluate each gambler, using available data. There may be only partial data, then the computation may be performed as detailed above, for example with reference to Fig. 6.

Step 523: Evaluate results over time. For example, the diagnoses of the present system and method may be compared with police reports (as compulsive gamblers go broke and commit crimes to pay for gambling losses), banks and credit card firms reporting peculiar behavior of big losers at gambling, etc.

Step 524: Implement a learning, dynamic, adaptive system - the system's parameters and mode of operation is changed to as to improve its predictions and diagnoses. Such changes may include:

* update of the weights Wi of the various parameters in use * update the list of parameters used

* update the list of must-have parameters, decision thresholds, number of parameters required to reach a decision, cumulative weight required to reach a decision, etc.

* update the decision point.

** End of method ** [Para 31] The invention being thus described in terms of several embodiments and examples, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A System for identifying a compulsive gambler comprising processor means, a database of gamblers, and a set of rules for diagnosing a user and deciding whether the user is a compulsive gambler according to the user's behavior during gambling.

2. In a gambling system comprising a cellular network connected to a gambling service provider (GSP) for allowing gamblers to connect to the GSP through the cellular network for gambling purposes, a System for identifying a compulsive gambler connected between the cellular network and the GSP and comprising a processor, a database of gamblers, and a set of rules for diagnosing a user and deciding whether the user is a compulsive gambler.

3. The System for identifying a compulsive gambler according to claim 1 or 2, further including means for reporting to the GSP when a decision was reached that a user is a compulsive gambler.

4. The System for identifying a compulsive gambler according to claim 1 or 2 further including communication means for communicating with other databases and for allowed entities to communicate with the database of gamblers.

5. The System for identifying a compulsive gambler according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the database of gamblers is built from data collected from the database of the cellular services provider and from data collected from the database of the lottery services provider.

6. The System for identifying a compulsive gambler according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the database contains data on known gamblers and a decision method for identifying compulsive gamblers, and wherein the system further includes means for reporting to the GSP when a conclusion was reached that a gambler is a compulsive gambler.

7. The System for identifying a compulsive gambler according to claim 1 or 2, further including means for communicating with a user for gathering additional information when such information is necessary for reaching a decision whether the user is a compulsive gambler.

8. The System for identifying a compulsive gambler according to claim 1 or 2, further including means for taking various actions to prevent or discourage compulsive gambling, when a compulsive gambler was detected.

9. The System for identifying a compulsive gambler according to claim 1 or 2, further including means for performing educational activities to prevent pathological gambling.

10. The System for identifying a compulsive gambler according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the GSP is a lottery.

11. In a gambling system, a Method for identifying a compulsive gambler comprising: [410] a user signs into a gambling session with a provider such as a lottery service provider, using lottery terminal or mobile phone provider;

[440] the gambler evaluation system evaluates the behaviour of the gambler;

[450] the gambler evaluation system fetches the gambler's grade & profile from a gamblers database; [460] the gambler evaluation system checks if the gambler is a compulsive gambler; if yes, proceed to step 480, else proceed to step 470;

[470] the gambler evaluation system stores/updates the gambler's grade & profile; Once a gambler has been assigned a grade, his personal data, grade and profile are stored/updated in a gamblers database; [480] the gambler evaluation system can limit a compulsive gambler's activities. Compulsive gambler data can be transferred to the authorized authorities.

12. In a gambling system comprising a cellular network connected to a gambling service provider (GSP) for allowing gamblers to connect to the GSP through the cellular network for gambling purposes, a Method for identifying a compulsive gambler comprising:

[410] a user signs into a gambling session with a provider such as a lottery service provider, using a mobile phone provider;

[420] notify gambler evaluation system on a new gambling session; [430] the gambler evaluation system checks if the user is a first time user; if yes, proceed to step 440; if not, proceed to step 450; [440] the gambler evaluation system evaluates the behavior of the gambler; [450] the gambler evaluation system fetches the gambler's grade & profile from a gamblers database; [460] the gambler evaluation system checks if the gambler is a compulsive gambler; if yes, proceed to step 480, else proceed to step 470;

[470] the gambler evaluation system stores/updates the gambler's grade & profile; Once a gambler has been assigned a grade, his personal data, grade and profile are stored/updated in a gamblers database; [480] the gambler evaluation system limits a compulsive gambler's activities.

13. The Method for identifying a compulsive gambler according to claim 11 or 12, further including limiting a compulsive gambler's activities, including preventing him from gambling altogether, the amounts he can bet can be limited, the total amount of all bets can be limited or he can be limited in any other way.

14. The Method for identifying a compulsive gambler according to claim 11 or 12, further including: [490] the gambler evaluation system informs allowed entities about an identified compulsive gambler.

15. The Method for identifying a compulsive gambler according to claim 14, further including the step of informing allowed entities of a heavy gambler.

16. The Method for identifying a compulsive gambler according to claim 15, wherein the allowed entities include regulatory agents, any other governmental agencies and/or authorized agent/agency.

17. The Method for identifying a compulsive gambler according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the information provided by the gambler evaluation system to the allowed entities may also include the behavior profile of a compulsive gambler and recommended methods of treatment.

18. The Method for identifying a compulsive gambler according to claim 11 or 12, wherein in step 420 the Gambler evaluation system receives information on a new gambling session, the information including data on a user and about the gambling session features, and the information on the user includes: full name, ID number, Driver's license number, address, and/or family member having a compulsive gambling problem.

19. The Method for identifying a compulsive gambler according to claim 11 or 12, wherein in step 420 the Gambler evaluation system receives information on the gambling session features including: time and date, type of game and/or betting amount.

20. The Method for identifying a compulsive gambler according to claim 19, wherein the information on the gambling session features also includes any other feature characterizing the gambling session and gambler's behavior.

21. A Method for identifying a compulsive gambler, essentially as detailed in the attached disclosure and drawings.