Lesson
"Responsible Gambling" Tools
Unpack the term “Responsible Gambling”, and learn how to effectively use tools to prevent harm.
”Responsible Gambling” Tools
Most online gambling operators offer a number of features and tools designed to promote what they call “responsible” gambling. These are prevention tools, meant to help patrons minimize their risk of experiencing gambling-related harm.
By understanding and using these tools effectively, you can enhance your gambling experience while minimizing the risk of harm. Unfortunately, they can be hard to find, and not well-utilized.
In this lesson we’ll explore some of the most effective tools, and learn how to incorporate them into our own gambling routines.
The History of “Responsible Gambling”
You’ll notice that we don’t often use the term “Responsible Gambling” at Evive. In fact, we find it a bit problematic. To understand why, it’s helpful to have a little context:
The term "responsible gambling" emerged as a response to growing concerns about the potential negative impacts of gambling on individuals and society. It gained prominence in the late 20th century as the gambling industry expanded and public awareness of gambling-related issues increased.
In the 1980s and 1990s, as gambling became more prevalent and accessible, particularly with the rise of casinos and lotteries, there was a growing recognition of the need for strategies to minimize the harms associated with gambling. This led to the development of responsible gambling initiatives aimed at promoting safe and sustainable gambling practices.
The concept of responsible gambling emphasizes the importance of informed decision-making, self-regulation, and harm reduction strategies among both gamblers and gambling operators. It involves implementing policies and practices that encourage individuals to gamble “responsibly”, set limits on their gambling behavior, and seek help if needed.
Over time, responsible gambling has become an integral part of gambling regulation and industry standards worldwide. Governments, regulatory bodies, and gambling operators have adopted responsible gambling measures, including education programs, self-exclusion options, and support services, to promote a safer gambling environment.
Why We Find the Term Problematic
It seems positive on the surface, however if you unpack it a bit, you’ll start to find some problems. The term “responsible gambling” implies that anyone who is experiencing harm is by default “irresponsible”. We don’t love that.
They have teams of data scientists analyzing player behavior to ensure that gamblers spend the maximum amount of time and money possible. While we all have responsibility for our actions, it’s getting easier and easier to experience gambling harm.
We’ve also noticed that the term “responsible gambling” is often confused with “problem gambling”. These tools are not designed to help people already experiencing gambling harm. Instead, they are designed to help prevent gambling harm from occurring in the first place. We fully support prevention, but we are also concerned with how we help those who are experiencing harm.
Ok, enough on that. Keep reading to understand how to use these tools effectively.
Tools For Responsible Gambling
In any case, just because we don’t love the terminology, we do think there’s a lot of value in the tools they provide, and we highly recommend you take advantage of them. There are different tools depending on whether you are gambling online or in-person, so let’s look at both:
Online Responsible Gambling Tools
Deposit Limits
Deposit limits allow you to set a maximum amount of money that you can deposit into your gambling account within a specified time period, such as daily, weekly, or monthly.
Setting deposit limits helps you control your gambling expenditures, manage your budget effectively, and prevent excessive spending.
Wagering Limits
Wagering limits allow you to set a maximum amount of money that you can wager or bet within a specific timeframe, such as per game, per session, or per day.
Wagering limits help you maintain control over your gambling activities, prevent impulsive betting behavior, and avoid chasing losses.
Time Limits
Time limits enable you to set restrictions on the duration of your gambling sessions, limiting the amount of time you spend engaged in gambling activities within the app.
Time limits help you manage your gambling time effectively, prevent excessive or prolonged gambling sessions, and promote safer gambling behavior.
Self-Exclusion
Self-exclusion is a voluntary program that allows you to restrict access to your gambling account or temporarily exclude yourself from gambling activities within the app for a specified period.
Self-exclusion provides a powerful tool to take a break, reassess your relationship with gambling, and seek help if needed.
While not as easily accessible as online tools, there are some programs offered by brick-and-mortar casinos to assist their patrons with gambling related problems.
Gambling Self-Exclusion Programs
The most common program to assist individuals change their gambling is Voluntary Self-Exclusion, also known as VSE. These exclusion programs allow individuals to voluntarily exclude themselves from entering the casino premises or participating in gambling activities for a specified period.
They are designed to provide individuals struggling with gambling an opportunity to take a break, seek help, and attempt to regain control over their gambling behavior. They tend to be more punitive in nature, meaning casinos have the right to charge a person on their self-exclusion list with trespassing and arrest them.
More often what happens to a person on a self-exclusion list is payment on a win is denied and they are escorted off the casino’s premises.
Marketing Self-Exclusion Programs
Another common type of casino voluntary self exclusion program is specific to marketing.
Casino goers can sign-up to be excluded from any promotions or other marketing materials.
This is helpful for persons who are trying to cut-back or stop gambling and don’t want to be triggered to gamble by receiving marketing materials or special enticements or promotions.
Unique Programs
A growing number of states are creating unique programming for their casino patrons.
If you happen to live in Massachusetts or visit their casinos, you will discover they have additional options for their patrons who want to set limits around their gambling. They have a program, called PlayMyWay, that lets slot machine players set deposit limits, loss limits, and other play parameters. To participate in this program, use of a player's card is required. Research shows individuals who use PlayMyWay tend to lose less money.
This technology is beginning to expand so you may find it in casinos located outside of Massachusetts, such as within some MGM casinos soon.
If wondering what play management tools or programs are offered at a casino that you frequent, ask a customer service agent. You may be surprised by what you find.
Let's Reflect
Have you ever used responsible gambling tools such as deposit limits or self-exclusion? If so, how did they impact your gambling behavior and overall well-being?
Reflect on the importance of self-awareness and self-regulation in utilizing responsible gambling tools effectively. How can mindfulness and reflection enhance your ability to make informed decisions about gambling?
Closing Thought
While we may not love the name, responsible gambling tools offer valuable support for individuals looking to better manage their gambling behavior.
By utilizing these tools, individuals can better understand their behaviors, set limits, and maintain better control over their gambling activities.
Remember, seeking help and using available tools is a proactive step towards more intentional gambling.