As historical experience shows, strict bans on certain types of business only worsen the situation, stimulating the growth of the shadow sector. On the other hand, lifting the taboo can also have negative consequences, an example of which is the sharp increase in cases of ludomania after the opening and legalization of the iGaming market in Ukraine. As a result, there are increasingly frequent calls to, if not ban, then significantly limit the activities of gaming providers in the country.
Gambling specialist and editor-in-chief of the informational project on the Ukrainian gambling industry, Olena Bylytsia, decided to look into this issue.
How big is the problem?
There’s no doubt that our country has a problem of gambling, – says Olena, – but I am inclined to believe that its scale is a bit overblown. Compared to some developing nations, Ukraine’s gambling enthusiasm seems to be within reasonable limits and doesn’t appear to be an epidemic. Unlike African countries with their vague gambling laws, the Ukrainian legislation regulating the iGaming industry is quite clear, although it must be admitted that it has serious shortcomings.
Importantly, it’s not just the laws and casino ethics that safeguard the interests of gambling establishment clients. The media and public organizations debunk both new and established myths about the gambling industry and try to convey to the public the importance of the principles of responsible gambling.
This is what the ProInternet team does. We discuss various aspects of the industry, gambling itself, and of course, the appropriate conduct within gambling establishments.
I understand exactly how the business works and what pitfalls gambling enthusiasts can encounter, says the ProInternet editor. As a social phenomenon, a casino is not something harmful in itself. The danger lies primarily in the wrong attitude to lots, table games and other gambling entertainment. For example, when gambling is seen as a means of making money or a way to forget about current problems. It becomes a direct path to developing gambling addiction with all its detrimental consequences.
Approaches to implementing responsible gambling principles
As already mentioned, bans are not the best way to combat excessive gambling. The gaming environment can only be made safe by disseminating open and truthful information about casinos and gambling through various social interaction platforms. Such information includes:
- Explaining the principles of how casinos and the gambling industry work. It is important to show the real chances of winning and explain that the casino will always have an advantage over the players;
- Describe any negative consequences of gambling addiction, such as financial problems, broken or deteriorating relationships with loved ones, and psychological distress;
- Explaining the importance of self-monitoring. It is equally important to convince the gambling enthusiast to use available means of self-restraint and make a game plan.
- Combating common myths. For example, there is a common misconception that a gambler can control the outcome of the game, as well as a false idea of easy wins in a casino.
Sharing gaming experiences, both positive and negative, can be extremely valuable. Gamblers often place greater trust in the experiences of their peers. Of course, we must not forget about those who have already become victims of their own frivolity.
Public organizations promoting responsible gaming in online casinos have a crucial role to play. They can help individuals struggling with addiction seek professional help and develop strategies to avoid triggers that lead to compulsive gambling.
We believe that it is the most important thing that every casino gaming enthusiast should know. However, there is one more aspect that we would like to draw attention to. Adhering to the principles of safe gambling is important and necessary, but it is equally important to follow the basic rules of conduct in the world of iGaming. Thus, Olena Bylytsia strongly recommends that players choose only licensed casinos with certified slots, verified by eCOGRA or other similar independent organizations.
Olena Bylytsia, editor-in-chief of the popular ProInternet site, spoke about the importance of following the principles of responsible online casino gaming.