Responsible gaming is a style of play in which the player is fully aware of their actions, controls the degree of involvement in the game and understands the potential risks. The main goal of responsible gambling is to prevent issues associated with gambling addiction and other harmful consequences for health.
How is gambling addiction diagnosed?
Gambling addiction or pathological gaming addiction is a condition in which you lose control of your gambling behaviour and the game starts to negatively affect your life. Here are some of the symptoms of gambling addiction:
Increased time spent playing.
Loss of interest in other activities or hobbies.
Unsuccessful attempts to minimise the time spent in the game or stop the game altogether.
I constantly think about the game.
Use the game as a way to deal with stress or stay out of trouble.
Returning to the game in an attempt to "catch up" after heavy losses.
Important Cases
Responsible gaming includes the following core principles:
Games are seen as entertainment rather than a way to make money.
The player fully understands the rules of the game.
The player is in control of how much they want to spend and does not exceed the set budget.
The player recognises and accepts the risks associated with the game.
Gambling Addiction Test
The Gaming Addiction Test can help you determine if you have a gambling addiction issue. If you answer "yes" to most of the following questions, it may indicate an issue:
Are you spending more time playing games than you had planned?
Do you often play longer than you planned?
Have you forgotten your family, friends or hobbies because of the game?
Do you feel the need to play hard to get the same level of excitement?
Have you tried to minimise the time you spend playing or stop playing altogether but to no avail?
Do you often return to the game in an attempt to "catch up" after big losses?
Do you hide your gambling behaviour from your family or friends?
Do you feel stressed or anxious when you can't play?
Do you use games as a way to avoid trouble or deal with stress?
Does your work, education or personal life suffer from gaming?
Do you borrow money to play or sell something?
Answering 'yes' to a few of these questions may indicate that you have a gambling issue. If you're worried about your answers, consider contacting an addiction specialist or an organisation that helps people with gambling issues.
How can you help yourself?
If you notice signs of gambling in yourself, you should take a number of actions:
Recognise the problem: The first step to solving a problem is to recognise that it exists.
Set yourself limits: Set a strict game budget and time frame.
Seek support: Reach out to friends, family or professionals for help.
Take time to pursue other interests: Find new hobbies or revisit old ones to keep yourself busy in your spare time and avoid thinking about gaming.
Keep a diary: Write down your successes and failures, this will help you to better control your behaviour and progress.
Operator Liability (Casino)
Responsible casino gambling refers to the active actions of a gaming service operator to prevent and minimise the harm associated with gambling. Here are some of the key aspects that casinos can implement to support responsible gaming:
Informing players: Casinos should provide clear and easily accessible information about the rules of the games, the likelihood of winning and the risks associated with gambling.
Playing limits: Casinos may set limitslogin Deposit limits and playing time to help players control their behaviour.
Self-exclusion programmes: Many casinos offer self-exclusion programmes that allow players to temporarily or permanently block access to their services.
Staff training: Casino staff can be trained to recognise and respond to the signs of problem gambling behaviour.
Collaborate with organisations that help combat gambling addiction: Casinos can partner with organisations that provide information, advice and support for people with gambling issues.
Enforcement of age restrictions: Casinos must ensure that their services are not available to people who are under the legal age to participate in gambling.
Compliance with these principles helps create a safe and responsible environment for players, minimising potential harm from gaming activities.
Professional help
If you or someone close to you is struggling with gambling, you can seek help from the following organisations:
Gamblers Anonymous is an international organisation based on the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous. They provide a support system for people with gambling problems.
GamCare is a UK-based charity that provides information, advice and support to people with gambling problems.
The National Council on Problem Gambling is a US national network that provides help and support for people with gambling addictions.
Instructions: Frequently Asked Questions
What is dangerous gambling addiction?
Gambling addiction can cause serious financial issues, damage personal and professional relationships, and deteriorate physical and mental health. In the long term, this can cause depression, anxiety, and, in extreme cases, suicidal thoughts.
Is there a possibility of a voluntary temporary casino ban?
Yes, many casinos offer a self-exclusion programme where users can voluntarily stop accessing their gaming services for a certain period of time or indefinitely. To do this, simply contact your casino's support service and ask to temporarily block an account.
How is gambling addiction diagnosed?
Signs of gambling addiction are increased time spent playing, loss of interest in other activities, constant thinking about the game, and unsuccessful attempts to reduce the time spent playing.
What is Responsible Play?
Responsible gambling is a method of gambling where the player is aware of the game, controls their participation and accepts the potential risks.