Principles of Responsible Gambling

Guidelines

Responsible gambling includes the following key principles:

• The game is perceived as entertainment, not a way to make money.
• The player has full understanding of the rules of the game.
• The player controls the amount he is willing to spend and does not exceed a set budget.
• The player understands and accepts the risks associated with gambling.

How do you recognise a gambling addiction?

Gambling addiction or pathological gambling addiction is a condition in which control over gambling behaviour is lost and the game begins to negatively affect a person’s life. Below are some of the signs of gambling addiction:

• Increased time spent playing games.
• Loss of interest in other activities or hobbies.
• Unsuccessful attempts to reduce the time spent playing or stop playing altogether.
• Constant thinking about the game.
• Using play as a way to cope with stress or escape from problems.
• Returning to the game after big losses in an attempt to ‘get even’.

How to help yourself

If you notice signs of gambling addiction, there are a number of things you need to do:

• Recognize the problem: The first step to solving the problem is admitting you have one.
• Set yourself a limit: Set a strict budget for your games and a time limit.
• Seek support: Ask friends, family or professionals for help.
• Make time for other interests: find new hobbies or revisit old ones to occupy yourself in your spare time and avoid thinking about gaming.
• Keep a diary: Writing down your successes and failures will help you keep better track of your behaviour and progress.

Gambling addiction test

Gambling addiction testing can help determine if you have a problem with gambling addiction. If you answer ‘yes’ to most of the following questions, this may indicate a problem:

1. Do you spend more time playing games than you planned?
2. Do you often play for longer than you planned?
3. Do you forget about family, friends or hobbies because of the game?
4. Do you feel the need to play with higher stakes to get the same level of excitement?
5. Have you tried to reduce the time you spend playing or stop playing altogether, but to no avail?
6. Do you often return to the game after big losses in an attempt to “win back”?
7. Do you hide your gambling behaviour from family or friends?
8. Do you feel stressed or anxious when you can’t play?
9. Do you use gaming as a way to avoid problems or cope with stress?
10. Does your work, studies or personal life suffer because of gaming?
11. Do you borrow money or sell something to be able to play?

Answering yes to several of these questions may indicate that you have a gambling addiction. If you are concerned about your answers, consider contacting an addiction specialist or an organisation that helps people with gambling problems.

Operator liability

Responsible gaming on the part of the casino involves proactive action on the part of the gaming operator to prevent and minimise the harms associated with gambling. Here are some key aspects that casinos can implement to support responsible gaming:

• Player information: Casinos should provide clear and accessible information on the rules of gaming, the likelihood of winning and the risks associated with gambling.
• Limitations on Play: Casinos may impose betting limits, deposit limits and time limits on play to help players control their behaviour.
• Self-exclusion programs: Many casinos offer self-exclusion programs, which allow players to temporarily or permanently block access to their services.
• Staff training: Casino staff can be trained to recognise and respond to signs of problem gambling behaviour.
• Collaboration with organisations that help combat gambling addiction: Casinos may collaborate with organisations that provide information, advice and support to people suffering from problem gambling.
• Applying age restrictions: Casinos must ensure that their services are not available to persons under the legal age for gambling.

Adhering to these principles helps to create a safe and responsible environment for players, minimising the potential harm from gambling activities.

Professional help

If you or someone close to you is struggling with a gambling problem, you can seek help from the following organisations:

• Gamblers Anonymous is an international organisation based on the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous. They offer a support system for people suffering from gambling addiction.
• GamCare – A UK charity offering information, advice and support for people suffering from gambling problems.
• National Council on Problem Gambling – American national network offering help and support for people with gambling addiction.

FAQ