Some governments and regulators demand RG features to be implemented as part of the licensing process. However, it is the players themselves that have come to expect a safe gaming environment as a sign of fairness and true social concern.
Responsible gaming means protecting minors and problem gamers, above all. It also means a verified gaming environment, suitable for all types of (adult) players. And even when not formally required by the government, RG makes real-money game apps easier to monitor by regulators, external auditors, and consumer groups.
Safe gaming goes above and beyond regulation, in fact. In a highly competitive sector, legitimate gaming companies want to stand out in comparison to black-market sites and apps. RG standards are promoted by the very industry to prove its integrity – whether or not real-money games are regulated on a state or national level.
Global gaming leaders tend to conduct awareness-raising campaigns and fund prevention and treatment programs for problem gambling and addiction. Medical conditions are left to professionals while gaming portals strive to have their players avoid getting carried away. The latter is especially relevant if players are psychologically predisposed.
The most common RG tools and methods are time-outs and self-exclusions. The first one is a shorter-term cool-off. Exclusions are longer, self-declared (or by a family member), and can span across multiple gaming websites. Both are quite popular among fantasy sports players in the US, getting them a dose of healthy detachment from their favorite game.
Other leading RG tools include spending limits (per game, day, week, etc.), warning pop-ups based on player behavior as well as information on support groups, parent tips, and the like. With affordable mobile devices and advanced technology, all of these are easy to install and run by the site casino days and other real-money gaming platforms or apps.
Underage real-money gaming is illegal practically anywhere in the world. Identity controls are usually considered the first level of know-your-customer policies (KYC). However, authorities often neglect the need to pass more strict regulations. This also makes them miss the chance to promote an RG approach to gaming companies operating on the domestic market.
In mature markets like Europe, the US, the UK and Australia, the debate on safe gaming has gone back and forth between player groups and businesses. Market analysts point out that all effective solutions split the responsibility between player behavior and a website’s RG tools and policies.
The quoted study also shows that most adults play for fun and not for the money. Those who might have potentially problematic gaming behavior are kept in check, with shares ranging from 0.5% and 3.3% of all gamers in regulated markets.
Making a real-money gaming site “foolproof” is realistically impossible. However, the introduction of RG tools and the strict monitoring of safe gaming policies is a choice of the very gaming companies at this point. At least those who pay their taxes, create jobs, and hold their reputation dear both at home and abroad.
East London: Mandhana, Harmanpreet score half-centuries as India win
India vs NewZealand 3rd ODI on Tuesday in Indore
Ronaldo makes competitive debut in Al Nassr's victory Vs Al-Ettifaq
