Responsible Gambling

Responsible Gambling, sometimes called Safer Gambling, is a group of efforts led by the gambling industry, including government regulators, company operators, and service providers to make sure their activities are fair and trustworthy. These efforts also aim to help people understand the risks of gambling, like the possibility of developing a gambling problem.

Gambling Addiction

Commitments to raising awareness about gambling addiction are part of the idea of responsible gambling, and these can involve things like limits set by customers and programs that let people exclude themselves from gambling. In the United Kingdom, some big banks have given customers the chance to stop gambling-related payments on their credit cards. In October 2019, NatWest launched a pilot program that let customers book GamCare appointments at certain branch locations. 

Тhe UK introduced betting limits on fixed odds betting machines as part of their plan to manage the problem of gambling addiction linked to these devices. To help fight addiction, gambling companies in the UK must offer specific tools that let players set limits on their own gaming activity. These include:

Additional tools and features that help people gamble responsibly in the United Kingdom.

Underage Gambling

The industry has also made promises to stop young people from gambling. Some important actions have been taken, like the American Gaming Association (AGA) creating a full set of rules to stop underage gambling. They also worked with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to make sure there are guidelines for when children are left alone. In 2017, the organization shared a code of conduct for its members. Part of this code required employees to receive special training on how to handle situations involving underage gaming.

Ethical and Responsible Marketing

Operators need to follow the proper rules and guidelines for advertising that are set by regulators. These rules usually make sure that ads are truthful and do not encourage young people or those who are at risk of gambling problems, like individuals who have chosen to stop gambling on their own. Operators are also supposed to get permission from the customer before using their personal information for direct marketing.

Operational Requirements

Operators must show that their internal rules and procedures follow the licensing rules set by the government body that gives out gaming and gambling licenses. Internal controls should also be put in place to make sure that all the systems and processes related to operations, payments, and technology work safely and properly. In addition, the people in charge need to show they have good plans in place to keep the business running smoothly if something unexpected happens or a disaster occurs.

Responsible Gaming Codes of Conduct

To make sure that people who run games, the companies that make the software, and the services that support them follow fair and responsible gaming practices, many regulators, trade groups, and non-profit groups have created codes of conduct. Over time, different rules and standards have developed and sometimes overlap because of changes in various laws and trade systems. 

It has been recognized in the industry that because there are so many responsible gaming codes of conduct, it's important to take a step back and re-evaluate what really needs to be done within the industry. In 2011, the European Committee for Standardization created the "Responsible Remote Gambling Measures - CEN Workshop Agreement 16259:2011." This document includes 134 different steps meant to help protect customers and properly manage online gambling companies across the European Union.

Responsible Gambling Events

Several industry events have been set up to assist the industry in encouraging responsible gaming. The European Gaming and Betting Association holds the annual EGBA Responsible Gaming Day conference at the European Parliament every October, starting in 2010. 

Responsible gaming events encourage players to game in a safe, balanced, and thoughtful way. These events usually include talks about stopping gaming addiction, taking care of mental health, and supporting healthy gaming habits. Run by gaming companies, nonprofits, and government groups, these efforts are meant to educate people about healthy gaming practices and encourage good habits, especially for young people and those who are more at risk.