Responsible Gambling

What is Responsible Gambling?

Responsible gambling is the practice of enjoying gambling while aware of its risks, making informed choices, and taking precautions to prevent harm. It involves setting limits on time and money, using casino tools, and seeking help when needed. It’s not limited to players; it also involves operators, regulatory bodies, and support institutions. Operators must promote informed choices, work to prevent underage gambling and address addiction issues.

The Importance of Responsible Gambling

Different angles might be taken on the significance of playing responsibly. Only by gambling responsibly, does the activity remain fun. Therefore it’s important to establish healthy habits and boundaries. Here are some tips to help you enjoy gambling as a form of entertainment while minimizing the risk of it becoming a problem:

• Set a Budget: Determine how much money you can afford to spend on gambling without affecting your essential expenses, savings, or financial well-being. Stick to this budget and avoid chasing losses.
• Time Management: Set limits on the amount of time you spend gambling. Allocate specific periods for gambling and balance it with other activities in your life.
• Know the Games: Understand the rules and odds of the games you’re playing. This can enhance your enjoyment and improve your decision-making.
• Play for Fun, Not Profit: Approach gambling with the mindset of having fun and entertainment, rather than trying to make a profit. The odds are typically in favor of the house, so treat it as a recreational activity.
• Take Breaks: Regularly take breaks during your gambling sessions to prevent overexertion and make more rational decisions.
• Avoid Alcohol and Drugs: Avoid excessive alcohol or drug consumption while gambling, as these substances can impair judgment and lead to impulsive bets.
• Don’t Borrow Money: Never borrow money to gamble. Only use disposable income that you can afford to lose.
• Enjoy Wins and Losses Gracefully: Whether you win or lose, maintain a positive and responsible attitude. Celebrate wins in moderation and accept losses gracefully.
• Share Your Activities: If you’re gambling with friends or family, share your activities openly and keep each other accountable for responsible gambling.

Remember that gambling should be a source of entertainment and not a way to solve financial problems or cope with stress. When done responsibly, it can be a fun and enjoyable pastime, but it’s crucial to stay aware of your own behavior and take action if you ever feel that it’s becoming a problem.

Protects vulnerable players:

Self-exclusion programs and time and money restrictions shield weak gamers from addiction, which could ultimately hurt them.

Protects minors:

Minors should be protected from wagering at all times. Through sound practices and ethical standards, anyone under the legal age is restricted from becoming a punter. In addition, operators have to establish a reliable onboarding process, including KYC checks to keep minors away from the casino.

Prevent crime:

Online fraudsters could use casinos to move the proceeds of crime and terrorism. Deploying good security standards and software programs that contain hacking and money laundering is part of accountable gaming.

Protects client data:

Online casinos are responsible for safeguarding their customers’ personal information. They must put precautions in place to avoid illegal access to client data. Regulations mandate that privacy rights be upheld at all times.

Creates a safe wagering environment:

Responsible gambling is also about implementing mechanisms to secure the player’s environment. This includes ensuring safe payment processes and that players can fully enjoy their games.

What Limits Can I Set To Ensure Responsible Gambling?

Players can set various limits on their gambling accounts to help manage their gaming activities and promote responsible gambling. These limits are often offered by online casinos and gambling platforms to assist players in controlling their spending and time spent gambling. Here are some common limits that players can set:

1. Deposit Limits: Players can set daily, weekly, or monthly limits on the amount of money they can deposit into their gambling account. Once the limit is reached, they cannot deposit more until the specified period expires.
2. Loss Limits: This limit allows players to set a maximum amount of money they are willing to lose within a defined timeframe. When they reach this limit, they are prevented from further betting until the limit resets.
3. Session Time Limits: Players can set time limits for each gambling session. When the allocated time is up, the system will log them out, preventing further gameplay for that session.
4. Wagering Limits: Some platforms allow players to set limits on the amount they can wager in a single bet or during a single gaming session. This helps prevent large, impulsive bets.
5. Cooling-Off Periods: Players can opt for cooling-off periods, during which they cannot access their gambling account for a specified duration, such as 24 hours, 7 days, or longer.
6. Self-Exclusion: Self-exclusion allows players to exclude themselves from gambling activities on a platform for a more extended period, often ranging from several months to several years. During this time, they cannot access their accounts. Self-exclusion is a crucial tool for those who believe they may have a gambling problem and want to take a break or seek help.
7. Deposit Frequency Limits: This limit restricts how often a player can make deposits within a specific timeframe, preventing frequent or impulsive deposits.
8. Reality Checks: Some platforms offer reality check reminders, where players receive notifications at set intervals, reminding them of how long they’ve been playing and the total amount spent.

Moreover, most operators offer access to comprehensive bet history and spending reports that can help players keep track of their gambling activity and make informed decisions.

It’s important to note that the availability and specifics of these limits may vary depending on the gambling platform and the relevant regulations in a given jurisdiction. Players should take advantage of these responsible gambling tools to ensure responsible gambling and stay within their financial and time constraints.

What Is Problem Gambling?

Problem gambling, also known as gambling addiction or compulsive gambling, refers to a condition in which an individual exhibits a problematic, uncontrollable, and harmful pattern of gambling behavior. It’s characterized by a persistent urge to gamble, despite negative consequences and the individual’s desire to stop or reduce their gambling activities. Problem gambling is associated with a range of adverse effects on a person’s life, including financial problems, emotional distress, strained relationships, and impaired overall well-being.

Market Facts About Gambling

Between 2021 and 2022, the worldwide gambling market increased from $290 billion to nearly $450 billion. Only $57 billion of this total was attributable to online casinos; this amount is only anticipated to rise over the coming few years. The Russia-Ukraine war’s economic sanctions and constrained financial flow had a negative impact on the sector.

By 2026, the market is set to reach an estimated value of $840 billion, with a CAGR of over 16%. Traditional betting is expected to shrink as online casino revenue rises to at least $92 billion by 2026 and $153 billion before 2030. Thus, demand will be affected by shifting player behaviours, particularly a move to apps and social gaming. As more players become security sensitive, there will surely be an increase in cryptocurrency betting activity. The widespread use of mobile devices and the internet will be essential for accelerating growth. Asia Pacific was the most active region in 2021, but Eastern Europe may experience the highest growth by 2026, followed by South America and Africa. Here are some local facts

Europe:

This market experienced the fastest growth in 2021, primarily as a result of the legalization of gambling in several European countries, including Germany, Spain, and Italy. Out of the overall $57 billion in revenue from online gambling in 2021, the region generated $21 billion. With $14.7 billion in sales, the UK led all other countries. By 2030, the European market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 12% or more. With the application of the Gambling Act of 2005, the UK is likely to maintain its position as the top revenue-producing nation.

Asia Pacific:

This is currently the second-largest market. It is projected to grow at a CAGR of 12.8%, contributing up to $50 billion to the online wagering sector by 2030. The key driving factor for growth will be a high shift in player behaviour to online services due to relaxed online gaming regulations. Technological development and increased penetration of high-speed internet will play a key role too. Crypto gambling, especially the use of bitcoin, is expected to take the lead.

North America:

North America is the third largest gambling market. It accounts for about $54 billion in revenue when considering both online and brick-and-mortar gaming. Gaming patterns vary across different states since each imposes regulations independently. Regarding online games, operators licensed in Nevada, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania are the only ones that can operate fully. This region is projected to expand at about 9% CAGR, a slightly lower rate than Europe and Asia Pacific.

The Middle East and Africa:

The current gaming market in the Middle East and Africa is valued at about $6.8 billion, representing less than 2% of the global $450+ billion industry. The region is, however, expected to have the most significant growth rate of at least 13.9% CAGR up to 2026. As a result, online gaming in this region will increase by more than $5 billion by 2030. The growing penetration of smartphones and the internet will be a key driver. Saudi Arabia and the UAE will take the lead in the middle east, while Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, and Tanzania will be among the highest-growing countries in Africa regarding online gaming.

How Can Gambling Become Harmful?

When gambling develops into an addiction, it can become hazardous.

As was already mentioned, substance addiction and obsessive gaming behaviours are very similar. Some gamers may commit suicide or engage in physical self-harm when they lose bets. At this point, assistance should be sought.

The Consequences of Irresponsible Gambling

Gambling addiction is as serious as drug addiction. Studies have shown that it can have the same dopamine effect as drugs or alcohol on the brain and lead to addiction. Irresponsible players may try to hide their behaviour but eventually end up in multiple issues. Once addiction kicks in, families can break, people can lose friends, become unemployed, sink into severe debt, and lastly, mental health problems could take over. Addicts can take huge loans and sell valuables like property to wager, hoping to win big. Some quit work to focus on wagering or lose their jobs due to irresponsible behaviour caused by concentrating more on betting and neglecting work responsibilities.

What are the Signs That Someone May be Struggling With Their Gambling?

Money concerns, social relationships, and self-control problems are the three most typical indications that a player has compulsive gambling problems.

Money issues include:

• Betting with unreasonably huge amounts
• Borrowing to wager
• Betting to the last coin
• Chasing losses
• Selling things to place bets
• Diverting money for necessities into the casino

Social signs include:

• Your family and friends are concerned about your gambling
• Lying about problems caused by wagering
• Skiving work and family commitments to bet
• Spending friends’ or work money on gaming

Self Control issues include:

• Unsuccessfully trying to reduce time spent on gambling
• Increased debts due to gambling
• Feeling irritable when you try to minimize gaming time
• Feeling empty when not gambling
• Thinking about wagering all the time

How to Check Your Playing History to Self Assess Your Gambling Behaviour

Checking your playing history on your betting account is an important step in assessing your gambling behavior, understanding what you’re spending, and identifying your betting patterns. Here’s how you can typically access and review your playing history on most betting platforms:

1. Log into Your Betting Account: Start by logging into your betting account using your username and password. If you’re using a mobile app, open the app, and if you’re on a desktop or mobile website, visit the platform’s website.
2. Account Dashboard: Once you’re logged in, you’ll usually be directed to your account dashboard. Look for a menu or section that allows you to access your account details or history.
3. Transaction History or Betting History: Navigate to the section of your account that provides access to your transaction history or betting history. This section may be labeled differently on various platforms, but it’s often something like “History,” “Transactions,” or “Betting History.”
4. Select the Date Range: You may have the option to select a specific date range for the history you want to review. You can choose a particular day, week, month, or a custom date range to analyze.
5. Review Your Betting Activity: In the history section, you’ll see a chronological list of your betting transactions. This will typically include details such as the date and time of the bet, the type of bet (e.g., sports betting, casino game), the amount wagered, the outcome, and the result (win or loss).
6. Analyze Your Spending: As you go through your betting history, add up the amounts you’ve wagered over your selected date range to assess your total spending on gambling during that period. This will help you gain a clear understanding of your betting expenses.
7. Identify Betting Patterns: Examine the types of bets you’ve made, the frequency of your bets, and the specific games or sports you’ve bet on. This will help you identify any patterns in your gambling behavior.
8. Set Limits and Adjust Behavior: Based on your analysis, you can decide if you need to set limits on your betting activities, such as deposit limits or session time limits, to help you better manage your gambling.

By regularly reviewing your playing history, you can keep track of your gambling activities, assess your spending, and ensure that your gambling remains responsible and within your set limits. If you notice any concerning patterns or believe that your gambling behavior is becoming problematic, it’s essential to seek assistance from responsible gambling resources or support organizations listed below. Responsible gambling practices, including self-imposed limits and periodic reviews of your history, can help you enjoy gambling as a form of entertainment without experiencing harm.

How Can I Opt In For Self Exclusion?

1. Contact the Gambling Operator: To initiate self-exclusion, the first step is to contact the gambling operator directly. This can usually be done through customer support, either online or by phone. Many online gambling platforms have a self-exclusion feature in your account settings, allowing you to activate it with a few clicks.
2. Choose the Duration: You will be asked to select the duration of your self-exclusion. This can range from a few months to several years, depending on your needs and the options provided by the operator. Some operators may also offer a permanent self-exclusion option.
3. Provide Personal Information: You may need to provide personal information to confirm your identity. This could include your name, address, date of birth, and any other relevant details.
4. Confirm Your Decision: Once you’ve made your choice and provided the necessary information, you’ll need to confirm your decision. The operator will explain the terms and conditions of the self-exclusion and ask for your consent.
5. Access Restriction: After completing the self-exclusion process, your gambling account will be temporarily or permanently locked, and you will be prevented from placing bets or accessing gambling services during the chosen self-exclusion period.
6. Resist Temptation: Self-exclusion can be a helpful tool, but it also requires discipline to resist the temptation to gamble at other operators during the exclusion period. The self-exclusion is a commitment to abstain from gambling for the chosen duration, and it’s essential to take it seriously.

What to do if You Can’t Gamble Responsibly?

Acceptance: Start by accepting that you have an addiction problem and can’t play responsibly. Identify your symptoms, such as the negative patterns that made you realize you were getting out of control. That will prepare your mind to seek help and receive it positively when it comes.

Exclusion: The next step should be to take a break from gaming so that you can effectively address the issue. Keep in mind that it will be impossible to find help when you are still placing bets. Most casinos offer self-exclusion features. You can temporarily bar yourself or permanently self-exclude if you feel it’s a good idea to quit gambling.

Reach out: As already discussed, there are countless organizations dealing with such kinds of addiction, so you should not be afraid. You may want to talk to a friend or family or approach qualified personnel directly. Do it as soon as you can to avoid sinking deeper. It’s a sign of maturity and strength and shows that you want the best for yourself.

Start Therapy: If your problem is considered to be significant, you might be asked to begin counseling sessions. The world wouldn’t end if that happened. Instead, it’s an opportunity to rediscover who you are, re-energize, bring out new potential, and grow. Who would refuse that? Your ability to cooperate and tackle the problem will determine your level of success.

What Support is Available For People With Gambling Problems?

Depending on your location, there are different support services available. For example, players in the US can reach the National Council on Problem Gambling through their 24-hour helpline at 1-800-522-4700 for confidential help. In the UK, you may call Gamcare at 0808 8020 133.

Please note that contact information for these organizations may change, so it’s a good practice to visit their respective websites for the most up-to-date and accurate information on how to reach them for support, resources, and assistance with responsible gambling and problem gambling issues.

Here are the top institutions at the forefront of offering help to gamblers, to gamble responsibly or quit gambling.

BeGambleAware:

BeGambleAware is a nonprofit located in the UK dedicated to promoting responsible gambling and assisting individuals impacted by problem gambling. They provide individuals and their families with information, advice, and a 24-hour helpline.

This association is listed on almost every online casino supporting responsible gambling. Visit BeGambleAware for free, confidential help regarding gaming addiction.

Contact: Website and Helpline: 0808 8020 133

Gamcare:

It’s one of the leading help authorities offering advice, counseling, and different forms of help to gamblers in the UK. It also takes the lead in supporting non-UK residents through Gamcare international support. They offer a helpline, online chat support, self-help resources, and counseling services.

Contact: GamCare Website, Helpline: 0808 8020 133

Gamblers Anonymous:

GA is a community of men and women who share their experiences, strength, and hope to help each other recover from gambling addiction. GA offers support group meetings, a 12-step program, and a network of individuals in recovery.

This is a community of compulsive gamblers keen on helping each other walk out of addiction successfully. The fellowship doesn’t have professional counselors and experts, just gamers who have decided to support one another.

Contact: Website, Email and Helpline: 0330 094 0322

Responsible Gambling Council (RGC):

Role: RGC is a Canadian organization focused on preventing gambling-related harm and promoting responsible gambling practices. They provide resources, research, and training for individuals, operators, and policymakers.

Contact: Website and Helpline: +1 (416) 499-9800

International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors:

This center is dedicated to studying and addressing youth gambling problems and high-risk behaviors. It offers research, educational resources, and outreach programs focused on youth and gambling.

Contact: Website

Gambling Therapy:

Gambling Therapy is an international establishment offering support to people adversely affected by gambling. You can get help from professionals or talk to other gamblers already on their recovery journey.

What Can Casinos and Other Gambling Venues do to Promote Responsible Gambling?

Casinos and all gaming platforms can protect their clients by promoting responsible wagering in different ways as explained below.

• Research solutions to protect vulnerable gamblers: Only after having a thorough knowledge of the addiction issue can a solution be developed. The study of compulsive gaming habits and behaviours falls under this category. Stakeholders can identify potential addiction symptoms early enough to treat them effectively if they keep this in mind. It’s also essential to learn about the remedies.
• Collaboration for creating a secure environment: This goes hand in hand with the first principle. Stakeholders are supposed to educate themselves and each other about responsible gambling. Governments, non-governmental organizations, researchers, and health professionals should share their research data and collaborate to provide a safe gaming environment for gamblers.
• Ethical marketing: Operators should conduct their marketing according to the proper advertising codes. All ads should be factual and avoid targeting vulnerable groups, such as minors and players already struggling with addiction. Although various bodies are ready to help, prevention is always better than cure. Encouraging players to exercise responsible practices can dramatically reduce the number of addicted gamblers in society.
• Player Empowerment: Player empowerment involves providing accurate and balanced information to players so they can make informed choices in their jurisdictions. That means operators should give enough information on their websites and organize regular educational programs to empower their customers.
• Prevention of underage gambling: This is among the most essential aspects of responsible gambling. Individuals who have not attained the age of 18, or whatever is the proper legal age in their country, should stay away from online gaming.
• Responsible product design: iGaming products should not only comply with legislative requirements but also provide tools that facilitate players’ responsibility. For example, an online casino can have age limit restrictions and self-exclusion features. There should also be safety measures to protect client data and prevent criminal activity through casinos.
• Monitoring and reporting: Stakeholders should make reasonable efforts to monitor, test, and revise existing responsible gaming practices.
• Features: Adding features such as self-exclusion, timeout, and limits on their gaming platforms, is a way of promoting responsible wagering. With these tools, players may quickly take the necessary action to regulate their conduct and avoid harm.
• Partnerships: Additionally, casinos can collaborate with advocacy groups like BeGambleAware and post contact information for these groups on their websites. By doing this, they will be bringing help closer to players.
• Education: An informed gambler plays responsibly. Casinos can spend money on teaching their patrons about making responsible bets. A dedicated page with in-depth information on responsible gaming would be beneficial.

As a gambler, always gamble responsibly and assess yourself on gambling addiction signs.

Preventing Underage Gambling

Only those who are of legal age should engage in gambling. If exposed to gaming, youths and children are likely to have higher rates of school dropouts, greater delinquency, and poor academic behaviour. Operators can effectively prevent teen gambling by conducting rigorous KYC checks and verifications. This can entail validating the legitimacy of papers to lessen the likelihood of personification.

Children can learn about the risks of underage gaming at home and in school. They can be trained to examine media messages that present gaming in a positive light. If you know any underage gamblers, you may contact the operator directly. A compliant casino will not allow children to wager.

Final Verdict

Everyone can make a difference in promoting responsible gambling and helping affected players. Governments, casinos, gamblers, and friends and family of gamers all have a role to play. While some players have raked in huge amounts of money from wagering, in the past, every punter should play for fun and entertainment. Winning should be considered an extra benefit rather than the primary motivation for placing bets.

I believe dappGambl’s responsible gambling approach is commendable and crucial in the world of crypto gambling. It is essential to show both sides of gambling, highlighting the potential benefits and risks. By providing a balanced perspective, the company empowers punters to make informed decisions.
From my experience in gaming and trading, I can say that managing emotions is tricky. So you can expect most gamblers to act irresponsibly occasionally, especially when they have lost significant amounts of money or had a long winning streak.