International Responsible Gambling Day: Awareness, Education and Healthy Fun

The commemoration of International Responsible Gaming Day on February 17 not only aims to raise awareness among players but also among companies and regulators about the need to implement policies that protect users and prevent problematic gambling.

What is Responsible Gaming?

It is a practice that seeks to balance entertainment with self-control. It involves enjoying gambling in a conscious manner, setting time and money limits, and recognizing when it’s time to stop.

According to Coljuegos (Colombia), responsible gaming means "playing safely, without negatively affecting personal, family, or work life." Meanwhile, ALEA (Association of State Lotteries, Pools, and Casinos of Argentina) defines responsible gaming as "a form of entertainment that should not become an addiction."

Raising Awareness Through Numbers

Argentina: According to ALEA, 85% of players enjoy gambling responsibly, but the remaining 15% may develop problematic behaviors if preventive measures are not taken.

Spain: The General Directorate for the Regulation of Gambling (DGOJ) reports that 80% of online players practice responsible gaming, thanks to awareness campaigns and self-limitation tools.

Peru: The Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (MINCETUR) highlights that 70% of sports betting users follow responsible gaming recommendations, such as setting budgets and time limits.

5 Tips for Playing Responsibly

Here are some recommendations based on guidelines from Mendoza, Córdoba, and Santa Fe (Argentina), as well as Coljuegos (Colombia) and MINCETUR (Peru):

1. Set a budget – Play only with money you can afford to lose.

2. Limit your time – Dedicate a reasonable amount of time to gaming and avoid letting it interfere with your responsibilities.

3. Avoid playing under emotional pressure – Do not use gambling as an escape from personal or emotional problems.

4. Recognize warning signs – If you feel like you're losing control, it's time to stop and seek help.

5. Use self-limitation tools – Many platforms offer options to set deposit, loss, or time limits.

Seeking Help

If you or someone you know is facing gambling-related difficulties, there are organizations and programs with responsible gaming helplines worldwide:

Argentina: ALEA provides a list of contacts by province for assistance. For example, in Buenos Aires, you can call 0800-222-1133, and in Córdoba, 0800-888-4766.

Juego Responsable Santa Fe and Mendoza offer prevention and assistance programs, including free helplines and educational workshops.

The Buenos Aires Provincial Lottery has a free helpline available year-round: 0800-444-4000.

Spain: The DGOJ promotes the "Jugar Bien" program, which provides educational resources and self-control tools.

The "Jugarbien.es" helpline offers psychological and legal assistance for players and their families.

Colombia: Coljuegos runs awareness campaigns and provides resources to prevent problematic gambling.

Peru: MINCETUR offers practical advice for responsible sports betting, emphasizing the importance of setting limits and avoiding borrowing money to play.

Other entities that offer responsible gaming programs are:: Gamblers Anonymous (GA), GamCare, National Problem Gambling Clinic (NPGC), Gambling Therapy, Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) - PlaySmart, Jogo Responsável (Brazil), National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) - USA, Gambling Help Online (Australia), Fejar (Federación Española de Jugadores de Azar Rehabilitados), Centro de Tratamiento de Ludopatía (Chile), CONAJZAR - Programa de Juego Responsable (Paraguay), National Center for Problem Gambling (NCPG) - Singapur, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) - Canadá, Asian Association for Gambling Studies (AAGS).

At Soloazar, we celebrate International Responsible Gaming Day as a reminder that gambling should always be synonymous with fun and entertainment. We invite you to join this initiative, practice responsible gaming, and share these values with your community.

And remember: Gambling is a recreational activity, not a solution to personal or financial problems. If you need help, do not hesitate to contact the mentioned organizations. Together, we can build a more conscious and healthier industry.