Online gambling is a multi-billion-dollar industry with fans across the globe. As its influence grows, so does the risk of problem gambling. Some players have a hard time walking away from the virtual tables, a problem that often manifests as poor financial decisions and impulsive gambling and results in debt, emotional distress, and broken relationships. In this article, we look at what online casinos like Betway do to address this issue, including the technologies available to address problem gambling.
How does responsible gaming work?
Responsible gaming refers to all initiatives an online casino takes to address problem gambling. When you play casino games or bet on Betway Zambia, you notice the provider has set up some structures to keep you from going over your budget or spending all day online gambling. These structures may include stop limits, in-platform budgets, and self-exclusion options.
The primary goal of responsible gaming initiatives and technologies is to keep players safe online. However, responsible gaming solutions do more than address problem gambling. Some initiatives lock vulnerable groups, such as underage kids, off gambling websites. Others inform you of all the risks associated with playing certain casino games.
How do online casinos ensure responsible gaming?
Different online casinos approach the problem gambling differently. The most common responsible gaming solutions you may see on a major platform like Betway are:
Self-exclusion lists/software
Many casino operators in the US and UK offer self-exclusion options through which you can block your access to gambling activities for a given period. This can be one week, one month, or as long as you need to get your problem gambling under control.
Most self-exclusion solutions are fully voluntary, while others use behavior analytics to detect patterns consistent with problem gambling and either block your access or encourage you to do so yourself.
Stop/time limits
If your problem gambling is not so extreme that you need to be blocked out of gambling platforms for a while, you can set stop or time limits. Both are automated solutions that allow you to time your sessions. The idea is to spend a specific amount of time online gambling every session and avoid spending, say, all day on your phone or computer playing or betting.
Deposit/wager limits
Deposit or wager limits are like time limits, except they control how much money you spend on betting platforms, not time. Casinos use these tools to let you monitor your spending when gambling online. When used correctly, deposit and wager limits help you budget for your gambling activities and stick to that budget by preventing you from funding your account or betting beyond certain limits.
User monitoring and behavior analytics
Some casinos take it further, using machine learning-powered systems to identify and address problem gambling. The software analyzes your betting patterns and creates a user profile on your style of play, spending habits, etc. Anytime you deviate from your profile, especially through activities consistent with problem gambling, they alert you to stop and seek help.
Wrapping up: What is the state of responsible gaming in the world?
Responsible gaming is a current hot-button issue for regulators and providers in the online casino world. Regulators continue to enforce stricter rules on providers to limit the exposure of vulnerable groups to gambling media and protect active gamblers from harm and addiction. Meanwhile, operators like Betway continually improve their systems and initiatives to help keep you and your loved ones safe online.
