The term “responsible gambling” describes the act of wagering in a way that reduces any possible harm to society from gaming. This involves promoting responsible and safe gaming behaviours in addition to acknowledging and focusing on the hazards connected with gambling.

Later in this article, TheGamblest has complied with some of the best and reliable responsible gambling schemes for iGaming operators to include in their casinos and suggest a healthier gambling atmosphere, allowing their players to be in a secure position. First let’s delve into the main concept of Responsible Gambling, understand the main points, cover up self-exlcusion as the best technique and after discover the top responsible gambling schemes.

What is a responsible gambling scheme?

A responsible gambling scheme is a large-scale systematic plan established by gambling regulators and associations to help players prevent gambling addiction and other related problems. These schemes are provided by non-profit organizations to online and offline casinos, which can further include in their gambling platform and offer their players to use one of the responsible gambling techniques such as self-exclusion, permanent account closure, reality checks, pop-up notifications, to balance their gambling activities and prevent harms that gambling can cause. This is a new initiative to make sure gambling should only be seen as a form of entertainment, not an obsession.

What is self-exclusion?

Self–exclusion techniques are intended to support responsible behaviour and assist people in keeping track of their gambling habits. With the use of this technique, users can limit how long they spend in casinos.

By selecting self-exclusion, players set up a barrier to prevent impulsive decisions during vulnerable moments. This proactive approach helps keep control over gambling activities, prioritizing long-term well-being over immediate urges.

Self-exclusion also acts as a reminder to pause and reflect when the temptation to gamble excessively arises. It supports responsible gambling practices and encourages the development of a healthier relationship with gambling.

Other responsible gambling techniques

Casinos are required to also offer other tools except for self–exclusion that help players manage their gambling activities and prevent addiction. These include:

Permanent Account Closure: Players can delete their account and end contact with the casino

While self–exclusion often end up with account blocking, it is pivotal to understand the difference between permanent account closure and self–exclusion in the context of responsible gaming.

Account closure is a general term that can apply to a variety of circumstances, such as personal choice, inaction, or other reasons unrelated to problem gambling. In contrast, self–exclusion is a voluntary action taken by a player specifically to control gambling habits and promote responsible gaming.

When a player decides to self–exclude, their account is temporarily blocked or closed for a specified period. The process usually involves a few key steps:

• Account suspension: The casino promptly suspends the player’s account, stopping any gaming activities for the duration of the exclusion period.
• Recovery of funds: Any remaining funds in the account are refunded to the player, usually through the same payment method used for the original deposit to ensure a seamless transaction process.
• Information retention: Even after an account is closed or restricted, the operator will keep the player’s personal data on file. This helps ensure exclusion and prevents new accounts from being created during the exclusion period.
• No gambling ads: The player is automatically taken off all marketing and promotional lists, ensuring they don’t receive any advertising materials during their self-exclusion period.

Reality Check: Pop-up reminders encourage players to take breaks

Reality checks are features that online gambling platforms provide to players to help them monitor their gambling habits. They typically include alerts or notifications that remind players of how long they have been playing, the amount they have bet, or other specific preferences that the user has set. Reality check settings allow players to set specific reminders, notifications, or even account restrictions to help manage their gambling habits.

Time Limits: Players can set limits on the duration of their gaming sessions

Another efficient technique to manage gaming habits is to set clear time limits for each gaming session. By setting a specific duration for playtime, players can keep a balanced approach to their gaming activities. This method not only helps regulate the amount of time spent in front of the screen but also encourages players to take regular breaks, reducing the risk of burnout or excessive engagement. Furthermore, adhering to time limits promotes healthier gaming practices by preventing overindulgence and making sure that gaming remains a fun and pleasant activity without interfering with other responsibilities or daily routines.

Deposit Limits/Account Tracker: Enforces limits on deposits and tracks spending

Furthermore, setting financial boundaries is crucial for responsible gaming. Players should establish a clear budget for their gaming-related expenses and commit to staying within these limits. By doing so, they can prevent overspending and protect themselves from potential financial strain. Sticking to a predefined budget ensures that gaming remains a form of entertainment without negatively impacting personal finances or leading to financial difficulties.

Additional responsible gambling features include cooling-off periods, activity statements, in-game reminders, and options for anonymous play. Operators also monitor social interactions to detect excessive gambling and offer 24/7 support, along with education resources and partnerships with responsible gambling organizations.

Best responsible gambling schemes

Now let’s get back to the most important part, on how you can implement responsible gambling schemes as a gambling operator. Your players have the option to self–exclude through a multi–operator self–exclusion scheme. These schemes let them submit a single request to block access to the same type of land–based gambling establishments in the region.

If your players want to self–exclude from other types of gambling (online platforms, bookmakers, bingo, or arcades), they will need to apply to each relevant multi–operator self–exclusion scheme separately.

Top free responsible gambling schemes for operators

GamStop | Online Gambling

GAMSTOP is a non-profit organization, a free tool that gives players an opportunity to set limits on their gambling activities, especially prevents them from logging into or creating accounts with UK casinos. Players can register for periods of 6 months, 1 year, or 5 years. Note that this service is available exclusively to residents of the UK and Northern Ireland.

SENSE | Casinos

SENSE is the national self–exclusion program for the British casino industry, created to help individuals struggling with gambling by allowing them to exclude themselves on their own will from ALL licensed land–based casinos across Great Britain. With a simple application process, participants can opt into the program. This website brings comprehensive information on how the scheme works, including guidance on how to register, extend, or remove yourself from gambling.

MOSES | Betting Shops

The MOSES service enables individuals to self–exclude from various bookmakers with a single phone call. This service is personalized to fit each user’s needs and habits. By identifying the betting shops a person frequents or might reasonably visit, we can customize the self–exclusion to suit specific requirements. MOSES is accessed via phone. To use the service, simply call 0800 294 2060.

BACTA | Adult Gaming Centres

Bacta is the trade association representing the interests of Britain’s amusement and high street gaming manufacturers and operators. If a player feels that they are dedicating too much time or money gambling, it’s important to speak with the staff, who are trained to discuss players’ gambling habits with care and can provide a huge diapason of supportive tools and techniques, encompassing self–exclusion. If a player chooses to self–exclude, a staff member will gather basic personal information and obtain their consent to use it for the self–exclusion process.

The Bingo Association | Bingo games

Players in the UK are able to self–exclude from any licensed land–based bingo location by using the BISES (Bingo Industry Self–Exclusion Scheme). A consumer can request self–exclusion the quickest method by going to their licensed bingo location or local bingo club. Customers can arrange self–exclusion without physically being present at the venue if they would like not to. They can do this by calling or, if accessible, contacting the venue through its website.

Conclusion

Allowing your players to establish boundaries for their gaming is a critical first step in preserving control over their habits and encouraging a responsible gaming mindset. Doing that gives casinos the reliability status, which is crucial in today’s gambling industry, also gives your players the power to decide wisely how much time and money to spend gambling.

These limits provide your players’ gambling behaviour a disciplined framework, assisting them in avoiding excessive losses and placing an emphasis on responsible gaming. Setting limits also helps to become more self-aware and disciplined, which makes it possible for you to see gambling as a kind of entertainment rather than an obsessive habit.

It is vital to remember that responsible gambling restrictions are supposed to empower, not constrain, providing your players the flexibility to engage in gambling activities while maintaining your financial and emotional well-being.

FAQ

What is responsible gambling?

Responsible Gambling, also known as Safer Gambling, is a set of social responsibility initiatives undertaken by government regulators, gambling commissions as well as casinos to prevent the potential risks caused by gambling.

Key points of responsible gambling encompass:

• Gambling is not a source of income: Gambling should be enjoyed as a form of fun rather than means of earning money. Individuals should gamble only what they can afford to lose and be willing to stop if gambling begins to cause financial or mental difficulties.
• Gambling should be in safe and fair environment: Gambling establishments must ensure their operations are fair and safe, with regulations in place to uphold these standards and protect consumers.
• Gambling doesn’t cause harm to individuals and society: Playing in casinos should not result in issues like debt, tense relationships with family or friends, or addiction. Measures should be in place to prevent these outcomes.
• Gambling boosts social responsibility: In order to lessen the detrimental effects of their operations on the community, casinos should promote neighbourhood organisations and foster responsible gaming.

What is gambling addiction?

Gambling addiction, or problem gambling, is a significant concern tackled through responsible gambling initiatives. To raise awareness, multiple tools such as customer-imposed limits and self–exclusion programs have been implemented. In the UK, several leading banks provide options for blocking gambling transactions on credit cards. In 2019, NatWest introduced a pilot program allowing customers to book GamCare appointments at certain branches. Additionally, earlier that same year, the UK government imposed betting limits on fixed odds betting terminals as part of efforts to curb addiction associated with these machines.

What are the effects of problem gambling?

Problem gambling can lead to serious consequences. Financial problems like debt, bankruptcy, and loss of assets are common. Relationships with friends and family may suffer, often resulting in broken connections. In some cases, gambling addiction can lead to legal troubles, such as fraud or theft to fund the habit. Health problems, including stress, anxiety, and sleep disorders, are also frequent. On a broader level, problem gambling can negatively affect society by contributing to addiction within communities and growing crime rates.