Responsible Gaming

Games of chance are recreational activities that provide spaces for entertainment and socialisation and have accompanied humankind throughout history. In Catalonia, different forms of gaming are practised, such as:

• Lotteries
• Sports betting
• Casino games
• Bingo
• Amusement machines with prizes

Although most people play for entertainment without negative consequences, gambling is not without risks. Under certain circumstances, it can lead to serious problems such as:
• Financial difficulties
• Family and social conflicts
• Loss of control over the time or money spent on gambling

Therefore, it is essential to promote an informed, conscious and responsible approach to gambling that protects both the player and their environment.

Pathological gambling — also known as gambling disorder — is a behavioural disorder recognised by the medical community, manifested through a progressive loss of control over gambling behaviour.

Those affected may present:
• A growing need to gamble
• Distorted thoughts about the probabilities of winning
• Difficulty stopping, even in the face of negative consequences

For such individuals, gambling ceases to be a leisure activity and becomes a compulsion that interferes with personal, family, work or academic life.

This disorder can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, educational level or economic situation. Early detection and access to professional help are essential for treatment.

1. Frequently thinking about gambling, even when not playing.
2. Needing to bet larger amounts to feel the same excitement.
3. Playing more money than you had thought or could afford.
4. Playing again to recover lost money.
5. Feeling nervous, irritable, or guilty after gambling.
6. Trying to stop playing and not succeeding.
7. Lying to people close to you about time or money spent gambling.
8. Sacrificing social, family, or work activities to gamble.
9. Using money earmarked for basic needs (food, rent, bills) to gamble.
10. Borrowing money to play and not paying it back.
11. Generate family, work or emotional conflicts due to gambling.
12. Committing illegal acts (fraud, theft, forgery) to get money to gamble.

Following some simple guidelines can help keep gambling as a healthy leisure activity. Here are some practical recommendations:

Before gambling:
• Set a fixed budget and never exceed it. Gamble only with money intended for leisure, never with money needed for essential expenses.
• Decide on a time limit and respect it. Gambling should not interfere with other responsibilities or occupy more time than planned.

While gambling:
• Take regular breaks. Stepping away for a few minutes helps maintain perspective.
• Avoid gambling under stress or sadness. Gambling should not be an emotional escape.
• Do not borrow money to gamble. This is a sign of high risk.

A healthy attitude towards gambling:
• Gamble only for fun, not to make money.
• Gamble with others whenever possible: it fosters a more social and less impulsive experience.
• Remember that losses are part of gambling. Do not try to recover them by betting more.

• Understanding and support are essential. It is common for the person to initially deny the problem.
• Avoid looking for culprits: focus on the problematic behaviour.
• Listen with empathy and without judgement.
• Give importance to emotional distress rather than material losses.
• Consult professionals or specialised associations.

Remember that change takes time and that support from the environment is key to recovery.

People usually start gambling for fun, out of habit or in the hope of winning money. No one starts believing they will lose control, so it is essential to recognise the early warning signs.

• Gambling problems usually develop progressively.
• Not all games have the same addictive potential.
• Seek help from specialised professionals.
• Avoid dramatising or stigmatising: it is a disorder, not a lack of willpower.

Self-exclusion is an effective measure that allows a person to voluntarily request to be banned from accessing gambling establishments. It is useful even if there is no severe addiction.

Casinos Grup Peralada acts as a facilitator of the process with the Government of Catalonia for those who wish to register.

Types of self-exclusion:

• Simple: requested solely by the individual concerned.
• Reinforced: requested by the individual and endorsed by a trusted person.

Duration: minimum 1 year and up to 5, depending on the individual’s decision.
Cancellation: only possible once the minimum agreed period has passed. In the case of reinforced registration, it must be carried out jointly.

This is an official database managed by the Government of Catalonia that prevents access to casinos, bingo halls and gaming salons in Catalonia for registered individuals, either by personal decision, administrative sanction or court order. Registration can be requested in the Register of persons banned from gambling halls, casinos and bingo halls in Catalonia.

It is also possible to prohibit entry to gambling establishments in the rest of Spain and to online gambling through the General Register of Gambling Access Bans (RGIAJ). This self-exclusion can also be requested in person at citizen service offices.

If you need information, guidance or support, the following channels are available:

• Phone 012 – Government of Catalonia – Information on the self-exclusion register.
• Psychological counselling helpline: +34 935 528 105
• Primary Care Centres (CAP)
• Behavioural Addictions Unit – Bellvitge University Hospital / IDIBELL
  • As part of our collaboration on Responsible Gaming with Bellvitge Hospital and the IDIBELL Institute, the email jocpatologic@bellvitgehospital.cat has been enabled for any enquiries related to pathological gambling.

Responsible Gaming is a comprehensive approach that promotes a safe, conscious and balanced way of gambling, where entertainment does not put people’s health, well-being or personal, social or economic life at risk. It involves making informed decisions and setting limits on time and money, maintaining control over gambling activity at all times.

This concept also encompasses operators’ commitment to protecting users, through prevention measures, early detection of problematic behaviours, clear information about gambling risks and access to support or self-exclusion tools. Responsible Gaming is therefore a shared responsibility between users, operators, regulators and society.

1. Gamble only in authorised venues.
   Legal, regulated gambling ensures greater controls, user protection and the prevention of abuse.
2. Get informed before you play.
   Knowing the rules, probabilities and functioning of each game improves your decisions and reduces risks.
3. Plan your time and budget.
   Decide in advance how much money and time you will devote to gambling, and do not exceed it under any circumstances.
4. Gamble for entertainment, not out of need.
   Gambling should not interfere with your personal, family, work or educational life. It should be only a form of leisure.
5. Avoid gambling under the influence of alcohol or substances.
   These situations alter risk perception and may lead to impulsive or dangerous decisions.
6. Do not gamble with borrowed money or take out loans.
   Never risk money intended for basic needs, nor lend money to others for gambling.
7. Do not use gambling as an emotional escape.
   If you are going through difficult times, avoid taking refuge in gambling: it may lead to dependence or loss of control.
8. Share your experience with those around you.
   Talking openly about gambling, in a healthy context, helps normalise a balanced relationship with this activity.
9. Minors and self-excluded persons cannot gamble.
   Complying with this rule is key to ensuring responsible and safe gambling for everyone.
10. Remember: the goal is to have fun.
    If gambling stops being fun and starts causing discomfort, it is time to stop and seek help.

• Responsible Gaming Seal awarded by the European Casino Association (ECA), 2023 – ECA + G4 Certification: guarantees compliance with the highest European standards in Responsible Gaming. [See ECA + G4 Certification]
• Casino Barcelona, Casino Tarragona and Casino Perelada were the first land-based casinos in Spain to be distinguished with this seal. [See ECA + G4 Press Release]
• Best Responsible Gaming Training (InfoPlay – Teatro Real, Madrid) [See Press Release]
• Best CSR and Responsible Gaming Initiative (JDigital – Madrid) [See Press Release]