These rules include monitoring and specialized guidance for gamblers who have an unfavorable behavior profile. To comply, each of the online gambling companies needed to implement parameters and systems for tracking and protecting problem gamblers.
In this environment, programs such as COMPULSAFE, developed by the Brazilian Company for Supporting Compulsive Gamblers (EBAC), emerged.
"We certify individuals and betting companies in the area of Responsible Gaming. Our psychoeducational program, for example, provides 24-hour support, every day of the week and on holidays. When spontaneously or referred by bet detection systems, specialized support is provided, ensuring all necessary attention and guidance so that the bettor can continue the process of overcoming the crisis," explains Ricardo Magri, executive director of EBAC.
‘Bets’ known as the brands of the NSX Group (Betnacional and Mr. Jack.bet), the Esportes da Sorte Group (Esportes da Sorte and Onabet), the Ana Gaming Group (7K, Cassino and Vera), in addition to Casa de Apostas and Betsul, which have also joined the program, already comply with the guidelines.
"The bettor begins with psychological support procedures until screening and referral to participate in a psychoeducational program lasting up to eight weeks. In both immediate care and the psychoeducational program, the bettor will have access to technical information and group experiences quality to deal with gambling disorders,” says Cristiano Costa, director of knowledge at EBAC.
Step-by-step guide to eight weeks of support for compulsive gamblers
- First step
A group understanding of compulsive gambling, sharing in-depth information about what compulsion is, how it affects people's lives and how they can overcome it.
- Second step
Identifying triggers: It is important to help gamblers recognize in advance the triggers that lead them to gamble. This can include conflicts with personal biography, self-image and family, negative emotions, debt, stress or boredom.
- Third step
Developing skills to deal with emotions: Gamblers with problems often use gambling as a way to deal with negative emotions. 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 on or hyper-expectation of money obtained through gambling. 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 gambling! For many problem gamblers, gambling becomes a central activity in their lives and it is difficult to imagine having fun without it. Our program can help these individuals find other fun and meaningful activities that can replace gambling.
- Sixth step
Creating a Support Network: Having a functional support network can be crucial to overcoming gambling-related disorders. COMPULSAFE can help gamblers develop a reliable support system that, in addition to their mental health professionals, can include friends, family and other support groups.
- Seventh step
Preventing Return to Abuse: Recovery from compulsive gambling is an ongoing process and there may be new abuses along the way. The shared group process can help in the creation of 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 that includes meaningful activities, work, family and friends, as well as taking care of their physical and mental health.
Source: GMB
