For the majority of people gambling is simply a leisure activity and a way to entertain themselves. These people take full responsibility for their monetary spending and are aware that the win at even the best online casino sites is not guaranteed. However, there is also a minority. A minority that experiences what is called “gambling addiction”.
These people can’t stop playing in casino. If they lose, they just come back with another portion of funds hoping to finally win the jackpot and regain everything they have already lost. For this kind of players efforts like social advertising are clearly not enough. This is where responsible gaming comes in.
Responsible gaming is a concept that is aimed to minimize all potential harms for people who experience addiction to gambling. In a current state, it is adopted by all respectable playing establishments and is even incorporated into legislation of different states. Responsible gaming is associated not only with offline businesses but with online casinos too. Let’s look at different aspects that the concept could be divided into.
Policy
One of the casino’s tasks is to shape its entire policy into one recognizing responsible gaming. This policy must include employee’s training, participating in awareness events and social initiatives.
Self-exclusion availability
Players, who know that they have a problem with gambling addiction, have an option to write a self-exclusion notice which bans them either from entering and playing in one specific establishment or in all establishments of the state. This ban cannot be lifted until the end of its duration thus it makes impossible for a player to get access to offline and online casinos.
Wager limits
Both casinos and bookmakers are obligated to impose limits to bets made by their patrons. These limits bank a person from waging a sum of money that he or she can’t afford to lose. Casinos must also keep track of their clients’ spending to prevent them from going bankrupt.
Minor inadmissibility
It is forbidden by legislation of most countries for minors to participate in gambling activities. Therefore, it is a casino’s task to ensure that all players are beyond the age limit. It is of utmost importance to online casinos, because websites could be accessed by all people. They must identify all their users by asking for their credentials for authentication.
Transaction transparency
In the mind of an average person gambling might still be associated with shady activities. To provide counter evidence casinos must make all their transactions open and transparent for government tax authorities.
As one can see, responsible gaming expects efforts both from players and casinos. Establishments must make sure that their clients do not spend their last pennies for a game, and clients must themselves be aware if they have a problem. Either way, both parties are interested in following responsible gaming rules: ultimately, it is their interest to avoid violating the law.
