Date: 22.10.2024

by Adam Dworak

Principles of Responsible Gambling. What to Focus On?

Responsible gambling is not just a trend but a necessity in today’s gambling world. Operators’ actions, such as setting limits or offering self-exclusion options, aim to protect players from the risk of addiction. However, players themselves must consciously use these tools to keep gambling a form of entertainment rather than a problem. In this article, we present the principles of responsible gambling.

What is responsible gambling?

Responsible gambling is an approach that emphasizes awareness of the risks associated with gambling. It concerns both players and society as a whole. It’s a set of rules and mechanisms designed to limit the negative consequences of gambling.

Modern gambling companies are required to offer tools that allow players to control their actions, such as financial and time limits, account suspension options, or self-exclusion.

Self-control as the foundation of responsible gambling

The most important element of responsible gambling is player self-control. A conscious player knows when to stop playing, accepts the risk of losing, and does not treat gambling as a solution to financial problems.

Key tools supporting self-control are financial and time limits, which allow players to set the maximum amount of money and time spent on gambling. This helps avoid impulsive decisions and allows better management of their budget and time.

Setting limits at the start of gambling is one of the most important preventive measures to help keep gambling under control. Financial limits set the maximum amount a player can spend on gambling over a specific period, while time limits restrict the amount of time spent playing.

These solutions prevent situations where emotions take over decisions, and the player starts losing more than they initially intended.

Crisis tools

When limits are insufficient, operators offer additional tools such as account suspension or self-exclusion. Suspension allows for a short-term break from gambling, typically for a few days, giving

players a chance to cool off and rethink their actions.
Self-exclusion, on the other hand, is a more drastic step, involving a longer break from gambling, usually for several months. These mechanisms allow players to take a break and reflect on their behavior.

Reports from European countries show that more and more users are opting for self-exclusion, indicating an increasing awareness of responsible gambling among players.

The social responsibility of gambling

Responsible gambling is not just an individual issue but a social one. Gambling companies and authorities have a duty to prevent addiction, support people affected by gambling problems, and ensure social fairness.

Operators must provide equal access to gambling services and take actions to support local communities, minimizing the negative impacts of gambling.

Bookmakers and online casinos often provide their clients with a special quiz on their websites, which, once completed, gives insight into their gambling behavior and risk of addiction.

Players who feel their gambling behavior is getting out of control can seek help from organizations specializing in addiction.

Operators provide contact information for such organizations, allowing players to seek support at any stage.

It’s important to remember that taking action early can prevent serious gambling-related problems.

Check the operator before you play

One of the most important principles of responsible gambling is verifying the legality of the operator. Choosing a legal operator is crucial because playing with illegal entities exposes players to many risks, including lack of data protection, unfair practices, and difficulties in asserting their rights.

When selecting an operator, players should ensure that it operates according to local regulations. Each country regulates the gambling market differently. Countries issue licenses that guarantee the operator complies with specific standards.

A legal operator must meet several requirements regarding responsible gambling, player protection, and fair practices. Only such an entity ensures financial security and legal protection in the event of disputes.

What risks come with playing with illegal operators?

Playing with illegal operators carries many risks. Most importantly, these companies are not obligated to adhere to responsible gambling standards, meaning they may not offer tools like financial and time limits, self-exclusion, or account suspension.

The absence of such mechanisms can quickly lead to addiction and harm the player’s mental health. Illegal operators often fail to guarantee personal data protection as well.

Players are at risk of unfair practices, such as uncontrolled processing of their information, lack of data encryption, or even selling their data to third parties.

As a result, playing with such operators can lead to the loss of confidential data or even financial resources.

Responsible gambling is not a taboo topic

Responsible gambling is not just about the tools provided by operators but also about players’ conscious use of them. Limits, self-control, and social support are key to keeping gambling a form of entertainment, not a problem.

Players and operators share a common goal—to ensure safety in the gaming world, providing balanced and safe entertainment.

Our editorial team aims to expand players’ knowledge of responsible gambling. Therefore, as part of Responsible Gambling Week, we are publishing content on this topic on our portal.

We encourage you to read our other publications, which can expand your knowledge of safe gambling.