UAE Lottery introduces tools to curb gambling addiction effectively
Members who register with the UAE Lottery get a "high-level email" urging them to play responsibly. According to a representative from The Game LLC, which manages the UAE Lottery, the email contains "key information" designed to prevent bad game play.
Problematic gaming refers to "involuntary, impulsive or compulsive gaming wherein there is an absence of control and accountability", according to the UAE’s General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA).
The operator of the UAE Lottery said responsible gaming is an integral part of all promotions with age verification, self-exclusion schemes and spending limits. "It offers players tools, resources and online resources, as well as health support programs, to help them control their gaming behaviors and make good decisions," the rep added.
The brand has also entered into an agreement with the online service Takalam, which provides mental health help. Takalam will also support if participants suspect that gaming is taking away from them.
The first ever lottery of the UAE went live last week with a Dh 100 million jackpot. That came after a "complete review process" to make sure that the UAE Lottery’s operations were compliant with the GCGRA’s "strict regulatory framework" — including the promotion of responsible gaming.
The GCGRA claimed to be enforcing "reasonable behaviour in every part of the game experience", from the game design through to the marketing, to player support. It was made clear by the government that gaming was a hobby and entertainment activity, and not an income-generating, money-making activity.
"Troubled gaming occurs in every individual from every social stratum and transforms a fun outlet into a deviant habit with negative personal, financial and social consequences," the GCGRA says on its website.
Player controls
Operators must provide player empowerment resources according to the GCGRA. Three of these tools are provided by The Game:
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Deposit limits: This can be daily, weekly, monthly. No depositing can be done before the limit, only when the limit period is completed.
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Time-out: A 72 hour or six week break can be requested by the participant. It will take them a couple of days, during which they won’t have access to their account or receive any marketing materials.
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Self-exclusion: It is an extended break, with players able to lock their account for 6 months to 5 years. They might also elect to commit to the exclusion. "During this time you will be able to login to see your history of playing and to withdraw, but you will not be able to deposit or play any games," The UAE Lottery’s operator stated.
How to spot problematic gaming
Those addicted to gaming will have difficulty stopping despite a desire to quit, according to the GCGRA. They will also bet far beyond their financial capabilities, “gradually increasing the amount of money and stakes”.
They will start ‘chasing losses’ — where they continue to play, hoping to recover previous losses. They will also borrow money to play or pay off gaming-related debts, “leading to financial instability and accruing debts”.
Other key signs outlined by the GCGRA include:
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Spending excessive time on gaming sites or at locations where gaming is prevalent
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Boasting about gaming successes while downplaying losses
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A loss of interest in other hobbies, and missing social events
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Allocating a significant portion of free time and finances to gaming
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Withdrawal from responsibilities, such as unexplained absences from work or social gatherings
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Mood swings related to gaming activities
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