Self-exclusions in gambling and betting: where are we, where do we go to? 3b3x20
by Pieter Remmers t4v1
As you may know I am working with and for the industry for over 40 years now. Originally when we discussed self-exclusion from casinos and slot machine arcade venues (the was no internet gambling and betting back in those day and lotteries were not interested at all) self-exclusion was meant to be a preventive measure. In general the word prevention means: don’t let it happen or when it is there, don’t let it get worse. 642l2o
Self-exclusion is part the much wider topic of Responsible Gambling/ Betting in which we look at all Policies and Practices to prevent and reduce the harm of gambling/ betting and it is about informed choice, or maybe better informed decision making to play games and place bets in a secure and ive environment. Self-exclusion is not a new phenomenon. It was used, though in a rather limited way, in a few casinos in Europe, in Austria, in the Netherlands and occasionally elsewhere, but it was definitely not wide-spread. And it was used mostly in a way of “you might have a gambling problem, if I were you, I would take a break, exclude yourself from gambling. In this way self-exclusion is being used as a form of the solution of a problem. Basically self-exclusions were supposed to be a preventive measure, stay in control of your behaviour or get back in control. Prevent the behaviour of letting it happen and it’s there, don’t let it get worse.
Self-exclusion has often being looked at in a very simple and controlled way. Minimum of 6 months, maximum exclusion for an indefinite period, the rest of your life. In some countries there were maximum periods of 5 or 7 years. At present sometimes researchers have their doubts about the effectiveness of those measures. When I think of self-exclusion measures and their effectiveness we have to first look at what possibilities are available, what options does the player have? How are we going to control the situation? Is a central data base available? Nationwide, European wide, Worldwide? Different operators (casinos, arcades, online gambling/ betting, lotteries)? Whose responsibility is it?
Self-exclusion methods need to be tailored-made and focussed on the individual player. A real breakthrough took place about 15-20 years ago, when online gambling came up and the prevention button was introduced. Give me a break for 24 hours. Stay in control. Land based in some countries player cards were introduced. These can be used as a self-limit measure too. Limit visits, deposit and spending limits.
And who is responsible? Is it the player? Having the informed choice? Is it the operator having policies and practices to prevent and reduce the harm of gambling/ betting? Is it the regulator ensuring compliance with the social responsibility provision of regulation?
Or is the manufacturer, the game developer who seems to be the best psychologist, who knows what the player wants. Should they be made co-responsible for the players choices and behaviour.
It is not a ‘one size fits all’ solution, but it is something we have to work on in the coming years to create a healthy industry and healthy players, having fun for sure, taking responsibilities too.
If you want to learn more about Prevention of Problem Gambling and Responsible Gambling and self-exclusion, you might be interested in the conference of the European Association for the Study of Gambling (EASG) that will take place: 6- 9 September 2022, Oslo, Norway. For details on speaking opportunities and registration please visit www.easg2022.org
If you are interested in G4 and possibility of Responsible Gambling accreditation and certification or if you have questions, please Pieter Remmers ([email protected]) or send an email to: [email protected].
BIO Pieter Remmers 4r3t6t
Pieter Remmers is a veteran in the area of responsible gambling / safer gambling, consultancy and training of gambling industry professionals.
His company, Assissa Consultancy Europe, works/worked on responsible gaming policies and programs in a number of countries i.e. Netherlands, South Africa, , Switzerland, Luxemburg, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Malaysia, Singapore, Canada, Malta, , Sweden and others. He is also a very experiences trainer, over years of training and a ed MI (Motivational Interviewing) trainer. Besides Pieter is a consultant worldwide for as well as the gambling and betting industry land based and online, casinos, slot machine halls and lotteries and for regulators or other governmental bodies.
He is a member of the Executive Committee and serves as Secretary General of the European Association for the Study of Gambling (EASG) since 1997. Furthermore he is a shareholder and board member of HANDS (Human Assistance Network for Daily , 24 x 7 counseling services).
In 2003 he was the initiator of G4 (Global Gambling Guidance Group). G4 deals with an International Accreditation System on responsible gambling for the gambling, betting and lottery industry land based and online. Since 2004 Pieter is the Chair of the Board of G4.
Pieter is a very regular speaker at many conference all over the world and freelance correspondent for a number of gambling industry magazines.
