Last Monday (17th) International Responsible Gaming Day was celebrated. Symbolic, the date marks the incentive for good practices to be followed by betting and lottery platforms.
In Brazil, the regulatory framework was Ordinance No. 1,231 of 7/31/2024, which presented the rules created by the Secretariat of Prizes and Bets, of the Ministry of Treasury (SPA/MF), defining guidelines so that bets can operate legally in the country.
These standards include monitoring and specialized guidance for bettors who have an unfavorable behavior profile. To adjust, each of the online betting companies needed to implement parameters and systems to track and protect problem players.
EBAC actions
In this scenario, programs such as COMPULSAFE, created by the Brazilian Compulsive Support Company (EBAC), emerged.
“We certify people and betting companies in the field of Responsible Gaming. Our psychoeducational program, for example, promotes 24-hour support on all days of the week and holidays”, explains Ricardo Magri, specialist in iGaming business development and executive director of EBAC.
“When spontaneously or referred by bet detection systems, a specialized reception is provided, ensuring all necessary attention and guidance so that the bettor can continue to overcome the crisis”, he added.
Well-known companies such as the NSX Group brands (Betnacional and Mr. Jack.bet), Grupo Esportes da Sorte (Esportes da Sorte and Onabet), Grupo Ana Gaming (7K, Cassino and Vera), in addition to Casa de Apostas and Betsul, which also joined the program.
“The bettor starts with psychological support procedures until screening and referral to participate in a psychoeducational program lasting up to eight weeks”, stated Cristiano Costa, clinical and organizational psychologist, director of knowledge at EBAC.
He continued: “Both in the immediate care and in the psychoeducational program, the bettor will have access to technical information and quality group experiences to combat gambling disorders.”
8 weeks of support offered for compulsive gamblers
But how does this support work? Understand the step-by-step guide to the eight weeks of support offered to compulsive gamblers below:
First step
Group understanding of compulsion to gamble, sharing in-depth information about what compulsion is, how it affects people’s lives and how they can overcome it.
Second step
Identification of triggers: It is important to help bettors recognize in advance the triggers that lead them to gamble. This may include conflicts with personal biography, self-image and family, negative emotions, debt, stress or boredom.
Third step
Developing skills to deal with emotions: Problem gamblers often use gambling as a way to deal with negative emotions. While COMPULSAFE, as a support group, can help these people develop skills to deal with their emotions without resorting to gambling.
Fourth step
Financial management: one of the main problems faced by problem gamblers is dependence or hyper-expectation on the money obtained through gambling. Therefore, COMPULSAFE provides guidance on financial management and strategies for generating income through other means.
Fifth step
Learning to have fun without gambling: if gambling is fun, stop, stop betting! For many problem gamblers, gambling becomes a central activity in their lives and it is difficult to imagine having fun without it. The program can help these people find other fun and meaningful activities that can replace gambling.
Sixth step
Creating a support network: Having a functional support network can be decisive in overcoming gambling-related disorders. Thus, COMPULSAFE can help bettors develop a reliable support system that, in addition to their referral mental health professionals, can include friends, family and other support groups.
Seventh step
Prevention of Return to Abuse: Recovery from compulsive gambling is an ongoing process and there may be further abuse along the way. The shared group process can help create strategies to prevent relapses and deal with them when they occur.
Eighth step
Building a balanced life plan: COMPULSAFE will seek to help compulsive gamblers build a balanced life plan. This planning includes meaningful activities, work, family and friends, as well as physical and mental health care.
