How casino operators are using technologies to promote safe gaming habits
Online gaming has become the norm as it is convenient, affordable, accessible, and lucrative. To make things even better, casinos have been investing more in technologies to make their platforms more appealing. Some, like the Ontario online Casino, have expanded their game selections to cater to a much wider audience. But amid all these new games and innovative technologies, there has been a focus on responsible gaming. We look at why this is important and how casino operators have heeded this call.
The Perks of Responsible Gaming
Playing casino games is an excellent way to work past life’s stresses and embrace a simpler existence that focuses on nurturing relationships and relaxing your mind. But while it has many benefits, some people indulge in it in ways that harm their well-being.
Responsible gaming addresses the problems associated with using casino games as a crutch by promoting safe gaming habits. In so doing, it keeps people from nurturing destructive behaviors that could lead them down the path of destruction, thus allowing them to reap the benefits of these games. It also promotes awareness about what happens when players are unaware of their emotions and actions.
As such, this school of thought centers on helping players strike a balance that helps them reap the benefits of casino games without going overboard with their gaming.
Technologies That Are Changing How People Game
Many studies have pointed out that the convenience of online gaming has increased the risk of problem gaming. It thus makes sense that casino operators have addressed this risk by using convenient technologies, as follows:
Machine Learning.
Not all players are at risk of problem gaming. As such, not all players need interventions from operators. So, how can they know who stands to fall into bad patterns? Operators rely on machine learning, a technology that can learn a player’s patterns and determine if they are headed in the right direction. For example, if a player averages ten minutes of playing with a budget of $100 and they suddenly jump to thirty minutes with a $500 budget, that would warrant concern. The technology singles out people who seem to be spending significantly more time or money on their games as they could be at risk.
So, what happens to players who meet the “high-risk” categories? Different operators handle such players differently. But in most cases, the operator sends an alert to the player, explaining that their current trajectory could be a cause for concern. Players can then make decisions based on this information.
Self-Management Tools.
Players should know how much time and money they can spend on games without going overboard. For example, a player could decide to only play games for an hour as this allows them to also focus on their work. Casino operators understand the need for such limits and have thus introduced self-management tools that allow players to determine their time and budget limits. When they hit these caps, the platform alerts them that it is time to stop. The management tools differ in that some cut the player off while others allow the player to decide whether to keep playing. Players likely to develop problem gaming often choose the ones with cutoffs as they do not give them room to nurture bad behaviors.
Player Protections.
The likelihood of developing problem gaming habits is often higher in younger people. For example, underage players may not understand the risks that come with playing and may continue playing even when they are no longer within their time and budget restrictions. Casino operators are tasked with protecting such vulnerable players by ensuring that every player verifies their identity before joining a platform. Any player that fails to comply with these checks cannot play, thus protecting minors.
Other vulnerable players include:
- The elderly.
- People with problem gaming histories.
- Players who are new to gaming.
- Players with mental health histories.
Casino operators often monitor anyone in these groups through their tracking tools to ensure they are not indulging in games more than average.
Awareness Programs.
Players may not know what constitutes problem gaming or where to seek help if they think they are at risk. As such, more casino operators have developed resources that players can refer to if they want to learn more about problem gaming. These include information on warning signs, who to reach out to in case of a problem, and where players can find support groups.
These technologies have been instrumental in helping players protect their financial and mental health, thus making gaming a practical hobby or career for many. As online gaming grows, more interventions will be available to cater to the growing audience, as more people will need timely interventions and support.
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