Social Aspects: Controlling and Combating Gambling Addiction

The Polish model of regulation is built around the priority of public safety: protection of minors, early detection of risk behavior, access to assistance and transparent rules for operators. Below is a systematic review of tools and practices that reduce social harm and support a responsible game format.

1) Legal framework and objectives of RG (Responsible Gaming)

Prevention and harm minimization. The regulation requires operators to prevent the involvement of vulnerable persons, provide self-control tools and inform about risks.

Access and identification. Game - only for 18 +, with mandatory KYC/e-ID verification before the first deposit.

Transparency. Clear product rules, odds and limits should be easily accessible and understandable.

2) Player self-control tools

Personal limits (deposits/expenses/time) - issued before the start of the game; increasing limits - with a "cooling period," lowering - instantly.

Reality checks - reminders of session duration, results and links to limit reduction/break.

Timeouts and self-exclusion - from short pauses to long access blocks on all licensed platforms.

History of the game and finances - available in your personal account for self-control.

3) Centralized registers and access filters

Blocking unlicensed sites and payments - technical and financial filters reduce gray access and related social risks.

4) Early detection and risk management

Behavioral monitoring (patterns: frequent deposits, night sessions, "dogon" of losses).

Proactive contacts - a proposal to reduce limits, pause, pass self-assessment.

Escalation - with signs of pronounced vulnerability, the operator temporarily restricts access and directs to help.

5) Education and information

Online platforms and halls post risk materials, self-assessment tests, limit memos.

Campaigns with the participation of NGOs and media - anti-stigma, real scenarios for receiving help, emphasis on financial hygiene.

Schools/universities - modules of media literacy and financial behavior (without romanticizing winnings).

6) Medical and psychosocial care

Player route: self-assessment → hotline/chat → primary consultation → psychotherapy/support groups → family support.

Comorbidities - depression, anxiety, substance abuse; routing to specialized specialists.

Family and loved ones - separate consultations, training "not to strengthen" behavior, financial protective measures.

7) Role of operators and personnel

Mandatory employee training: RG scripts, de-escalation, signs of vulnerability, routing to help.

Clear KPIs: the share of players with active limits, the speed of reaction to risk signals, the quality of RG communications.

UX by default: visible limits, one button "take a break," understandable T&C bonuses (without "toxic" conditions).

8) Protecting minors

Strict age verification (online and offline).

A ban on targeted advertising of young people and the use of images appealing to children/adolescents.

Content filters and retail access control.

9) Advertising and Communications

Restrictions on creativity and placement time. You cannot promise financial well-being or "easy money."

Message balance. Next to the promo - noticeable tips on limits and risks, links to help.

10) Data privacy and ethics

GDPR principles: minimization, encryption, access audit.

Ethical scoring. Algorithms should reduce harm, not increase engagement in vulnerable players; solutions - with human participation.

11) Interaction with society

Employers and universities - memos on early recognition of problems, channels of assistance.

Municipalities/NGOs - local education programs, mutual assistance groups, family consultations.

Transparent reporting - annual reports of operators and the regulator on RG metrics.

12) Performance metrics (which is important to count)

Sewerage: the share of legal play in total demand (less "gray" - lower risk environment).

Coverage of limits and the proportion of active "timeouts/self-exclusions."

Support response time to risk signals and number of successful interventions.

Seeking help (growing with stable harm is a sign of removing stigma and improving routes).

Complaints/incidents and the rate at which they are closed.

Public awareness (polls): does the player know how to set a limit and where to look for help.

13) Horizon 2025-2030: Where the system is heading

Real-time RG triggers and personalized risk profile limits.

Verification biometrics for multi-account reduction.

Uniform public dashboards with key RG indicators.

More collaborations with NGOs and medicine; expansion of remote assistance services (chats/telemedicine).

UX innovations without risk stimulation: soft pauses, "quiet" notifications, honest probabilities in the certificate.

14) Memo to player and family

Pre-game: Determine budget and time; turn on the limits in the office.

During: keep an eye on "reality checks," do not raise the limits "after emotions," pause.

After: analyze the history of the game; at alarm signs - timeout or self-exclusion.

For loved ones: talk about factology (time, spending), offer to jointly contact a specialist; if necessary - financial "barriers" (restriction of access to loans/accounts).

Poland combines stringent regulatory measures with a human approach: easily accessible limits, centralized self-exclusion, staff training and understandable assistance routes. This design reduces social harm, supports family well-being and keeps the legal market in the "green zone" - where entertainment is governed by rules, and vulnerable players have real support.