Responsible gambling

Responsible Gambling, also known as Safer Gambling, is a set of social responsibility initiatives held by the gambling industry – including government regulators, operators, and vendors – to ensure the integrity of their operations and to promote awareness of the harms associated with gambling, such as gambling addiction.

Areas

Gambling addiction

Commitments to promoting awareness of gambling addiction are included within the concept of responsible gambling and can include customer-imposed limits and self-exclusion schemes. In the United Kingdom, several major banks have also offered customers the option to block gambling-related transactions on their credit cards. NatWest introduced a pilot in October 2019 to allow GamCare appointments to be scheduled at selected branches. Earlier in the year, the UK also imposed bet limits on fixed odds betting terminals as part of an effort to control gambling addiction associated with them.

In the interest of combating addiction, gambling operators in the UK are also obliged to provide certain tools allowing players to restrict their own play. These include:

• Self Exclusion / Time Out – allowing players to put their account on temporary (reversible) hiatus.
• Reality Check – a pop-up is triggered at certain time intervals to remind players to take a break / stop playing.
• Time Limits – used for setting strict time limits on playing sessions.
• Deposit Limits / Account Tracker – used for enforcing a limit on deposits.
• Permanent Account Closure – lets players close their account and cut off all contact with the gambling operator.
• Credit Card Restrictions - request your bank to block your access to internet transactions

Additional tools and features that promote responsible gambling:

• Cooling-Off Period: Players can take a short break from gambling, during which they cannot access their accounts or engage in any gambling activity.
• Activity Statements: Regular statements provide players with a clear overview of their gambling expenditure, wins, and losses.
• Gameplay Reminders: In-game reminders encourage responsible gambling before starting a new session.
• Anonymous Play: Players have the option to gamble anonymously, ensuring privacy and discretion.
• Social Interaction Monitoring: Operators analyze social interactions to identify potential signs of excessive gambling and provide support.
• Gambling Education and Information: Platforms offer resources and educational materials on responsible gambling.
• Availability of Support Staff: Trained support staff are available 24/7 to assist with responsible gambling concerns.
• Partnerships with Responsible Gambling Organizations: Collaborations with organizations promote responsible gambling and develop innovative tools and strategies.

Underage gambling

The industry has also partaken in commitments to prevent young people from gambling. Key initiatives have included the efforts of the American Gaming Association (AGA), which adopted a comprehensive guideline for underage gambling, as well as the unattended minors guideline developed with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. In 2017, the organization announced a code of conduct for its members, which included specific training requirements for employees to deal with underage gaming.

Ethical and responsible marketing

Operators should comply with the relevant regulatory advertising codes of practice which typically ensure that advertisements are factually correct and do not target underage or vulnerable gamblers, such as players who have self-excluded themselves from gambling. It is also expected that operators should seek permission from the customer before engaging in direct marketing through the use of the customer's personal details.

Operational requirements

Operators are required to demonstrate internal controls and processes that adhere to the licensing conditions as stipulated by the regulatory jurisdiction that issues gaming and gambling licenses. Internal controls should also be implemented to ensure that all operational, payment and technical systems and processes operate securely and effectively. In addition, operators need to demonstrate adequate business continuity management procedures to ensure that operations can continue in the event of unforeseen circumstances or disasters.

Responsible gaming codes of conduct

To ensure operators, software suppliers, and associated service providers uphold the principles of responsible gaming, codes of conduct have been developed by numerous regulators, trade associations, and non-profit organizations. These competing and overlapping codes of conduct or standards have evolved over time due to the evolution of multiple legal and trade frameworks.

It has been acknowledged within the industry that given the large number of responsible gaming codes of conduct, there is a need to step back and re-assess what is required within the industry. The European Committee for Standardization developed in 2011 the "Responsible Remote Gambling Measures - CEN Workshop Agreement 16259:2011" act, which consists of a set of 134 measures aimed at protecting customers and appropriately regulating remote gambling operators in the EU.

Responsible gaming events

Several industry events have been organized to help the industry promote responsible gaming. The European Gaming and Betting Association organize the annual EGBA Responsible Gaming Day conference in the European Parliament in October 2010.

Responsible gaming events promote safe, balanced, and mindful gaming practices. These events often feature discussions on preventing gaming addiction, promoting mental health, and encouraging moderation. Organized by gaming companies, nonprofits, and governments, they aim to raise awareness about responsible gaming and support positive gaming habits, especially among youth and vulnerable populations.