Squid Game and ethical considerations on responsible gambling

Shirley Pulis Xerxen March 21, 2024

The South Korean series Squid Game, which skyrocketed to global prominence upon its release on Netflix, had fuelled a firestorm of ethical debates upon its release.

If you happen to be one of those who had ethical reservations about the series, you might not be too keen to try out a new slot game with the same name created by games creator Light & Wonder. Since the deal was announced, industry insiders have voiced their disapproval, such as Tomic’s recent LinkedIn post (see below) and Nicholas Beach’s post on GAMERANT. The game, which, according to the creator’s website has a launch date for the EU and UK for the 27th of March, is Netflix’s first licensing deal in the casino and gambling industry.

At its core, the series presents a dystopian vision where desperate participants, crippled by financial woes, compete in deadly children’s games for a chance at life-changing wealth.

The show is a stark reminder of economic disparity and the desperation it breeds. Participants of are driven to risk their lives due to debilitating debts and financial desperation, nothing short of commodifying their humanity in the process. This raises questions about the morality of a society that watches, either in fiction or reality, as the most vulnerable are exploited for entertainment. The contestants on Squid Game are mere pawns for the thrill of the elite, who watch and bet on their favourites. Just as the characters in the game join voluntarily, so do players on a slot, but just as in Squid Game, the notion of consent in such extreme circumstances is ethically murky; it asks whether one can truly make a free choice under the weight of dire economic or social pressures. This ties in with a broader discourse on responsible gambling and measures that should be in place to protect vulnerable players. Ironically, the main character’s addiction in Squid Game is gambling.

Squid Game, much like the lion fights of ancient Rome, serves as a mirror to society’s darkest fascinations and the ethical boundaries of entertainment. It challenges consumers to confront uncomfortable truths about human nature, societal structures, and the consequences of extreme disparity.

Building a slot machine using this thematic is something I find difficult to comprehend.
Alex Tomic, Founder and CEO of Alea.

The global fascination with Squid Game raises the issue of cultural export and the responsibility of content creators. Just as the Roman games reflected and reinforced the values of an empire, the international success of Squid Game places it as a cultural ambassador of sorts, with the potential to influence and reflect societal norms and values.

This ethical quandary inherent in both scenarios underscores the urgent need for a broader discourse on responsible gambling practices. As with Squid Game, where vulnerable individuals are pushed to the brink, the gambling industry must acknowledge its responsibility in safeguarding players from harm. Implementing robust measures to protect those susceptible to exploitation is essential in fostering a safer and more ethical gambling environment.