Tag: Responsible Gaming

A pioneer of addiction research, the Division on Addictions (DOA), Cambridge Health Alliance, a Harvard Medical School teaching affiliate, has been conducting studies in cooperation with bwin since 2005, examining gaming behaviour in sports betting, casino, poker and other online games. The scientific analysis and results of the studies have brought about a paradigm shift in addiction research. The unique character of the studies is described by Howard J. Shaffer, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Harvard Medical School, Director, Division on Addictions, The Cambridge Health Alliance, a teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School, as follows:

“For the first time ever the studies conducted in cooperation with bwin use the accurate records from computer-based internet gaming to study actual gaming rather than what people remembered or were willing to say.”

One of the core goals of this cooperation is to create a scientific basis for the development of a secure and entertaining gaming environment.

* This research project will enable programs to be developed which can avoid the further development of gaming-related problems that users already suffer from.
* In order to achieve this goal, we are working on the creation of a scientific basis which provides algorithms that can identify risk patterns of gaming-related problems.

The research carried out by the Division on Addictions, Cambridge Health Alliance, a Harvard Medical School teaching affiliate, has provided significant scientific results which have been published in international scientific journals:

* The myth of online gaming as a powerful enticer has been empirically disproved.
Online gaming particularly online sports bets are used by the majority of players in moderation and in a responsible manner. The risk potential is therefore no higher than in offline gaming.
* Responsible Gaming measures are extremely effective and are therefore a significant factor in the prevention of gaming addiction.

The continuing results of the studies not only provide the international scientific community with the empirical basis which has long been lacking in the area of addiction research. bwin also profits from the cooperation with the DOA. It ensures that bwin can implement its vision of a “safe and recreational gaming environment” i.e. a gaming line-up which is both entertaining and secure on the basis of scientifically proven Responsible Gaming measures.

Gaming in online casinos can be a lot of fun and can potentially bring in profit. However, online gaming in casinos loses its fun when players dont gamble responsibly. Here are a few tips that can help anyone who currently plays at online casinos, or is thinking about playing.

1. It is important to set boundaries for yourself. Decide on loss limits and time limits. Setting aside a certain amount of money that you are willing to part with is very beneficial. Players who dont set aside certain amounts of money can fall into the trap of gambling to try to win back money. For example, if someone is down 100 dollars, than he or she may try to wager 100 dollars in order to make up for it. However, this often backfires and he or she ends up down 200 dollars. This can easily snowball. Time limits are also important. Too much gaming in online casinos can lead to “burnout.” For this reason, it is important to set time limits for yourself.

2. Be smart about where your gaming money comes from. Gaming money should only be taken from money set aside for entertainment. Money that is needed for everyday expenses should never be used in online casinos. Additionally, you should never borrow money in order to gamble. If you are borrowing money, then that is a pretty good sign that you shouldnt be gambling in the first place.

3. Manage your time wisely. It is always a good idea to take breaks and do other activities in between gaming. Some people wake up in the morning and game all day. This could not be more hazardous. Playing for a little in the morning, and then going throughout the rest of your day, and playing again at night is a good example of how to balance gaming time. Taking frequent breaks can also potentially increase your success. Some players get tired and make mistakes. However, when gaming, keeping your mind fresh and loose can be extremely beneficial.

4. Finally, and most importantly, have fun. The second that you stop having fun while gaming, you should stop. Gaming is supposed to be fun. You are taking chances, thinking, meeting new people, and potentially making some money. When you find yourself struggling to have a good time, then you should call it a day.

Gaming can be a lot of fun, and if you follow these tips you will have a rewarding experience. Never put gaming before other important things in life, and always be responsible. People who have the most success in online casinos avoid burnout and enjoy themselves the entire time.