How to protect society from gambling addiction: the role of public organisations and online casinos

With the development of digital technologies, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, the gambling industry has experienced rapid growth. Online casinos have become widely available from anywhere in the world: all you need is a smartphone and an internet connection.

At the same time, the number of people facing gambling addiction is also growing — a disease that gradually destroys not only finances, but also mental health, families and futures.

This brings to the forefront not only government regulators, but also independent participants — public organisations, charitable foundations and expert media. For example, the website Legjobb Kaszino acts as an independent information platform where users can learn about the risks of online gambling, read reviews of licensed casinos, and familiarise themselves with bonuses and responsible gaming conditions. This is an example of how knowledge can be a shield against addiction.

What is gaming addiction and why is it dangerous?

Gambling addiction, or ludomania, is a chronic psycho-emotional disorder that manifests itself in a compulsive urge to gamble. A person who falls into the trap of gambling addiction loses control over their actions: they cannot stop even if they realise that they are losing money, relationships, time and health.

According to statistics, millions of people in Europe alone have varying degrees of gambling addiction. Risk factors include stress, depression, social isolation and easy access to gambling. Online casinos make the problem even more serious: games are available around the clock, and ‘losses’ are often hidden behind animated effects and sounds that create the illusion of victory.

The role of civil society organisations in combating gambling addiction

Civil society organisations are becoming an important link in the development of responsible gaming policies. They are closer to the community, understand its needs and are ready to act informally, quickly and effectively.

Such organisations can:

• conduct information campaigns at national and local levels;
• provide psychological counselling for addicted individuals and their relatives;
• launch self-restriction and education programmes for players;
• monitor the gambling market and report violations.

It is particularly important that NGOs enjoy the trust of the population. People find it easier to turn to community initiatives than to official institutions, where they fear judgement or bureaucracy.

Prevention tools: support programmes and psychological assistance

Among the most effective tools for preventing gambling addiction are regular information about the risks, self-help groups and comprehensive psychological support.

Prevention starts with education: knowledge about the mechanisms of addiction, the influence of dopamine, and the psychology of loss all help to better understand why gambling is dangerous.

Programmes used by community organisations often include:

• cognitive behavioural therapy;
• impulse control training;
• mobile apps for tracking spending and playing time;
• online consultations with specialists.

Self-restriction features that can be implemented by the casinos themselves also play an important role: setting daily or weekly limits, account blocking, automatic reminders about playing time.

Unibet online casino: approach to responsible gaming

Unibet is one example of an online casino that demonstrates openness to responsible gaming policies. The platform is licensed by several regulators, including Macau, Curacao and SZTFH in Hungary.

On the Unibet website, users can find the following features:

• self-control tools (time limits, spending limits, game breaks);
• clear explanation of bonus terms and conditions;
• user age verification;
• page with tips for safe gaming.

The game catalogue features only leading studios: NetEnt, Play’n GO, Pragmatic Play.

These companies adhere to standards of fairness (RNG, RTP) and provide certificates. Among the top games are Starburst, Book of Dead, and Big Bass Bonanza. But even with high-quality content, the platform emphasises the importance of responsible behaviour, setting an example for other operators.

Cooperation between casinos and public organisations

The key to effectively combating gambling addiction is partnership. Casinos that operate legally are interested in their long-term reputation and user loyalty. Therefore, they can cooperate with public organisations to implement initiatives such as:

• allocating funds for psychotherapeutic support;
• participating in awareness campaigns;
• adapting gaming products for a safer experience;
• jointly developing a code of ethics for the industry.

Such partnerships must be transparent, regulated and subject to regular reporting. This not only increases player confidence, but also contributes to the overall health of the market.

Educational campaigns: communicating the importance of moderation

Education is not a one-off event, but ongoing work with young people, families and educators. Civil society organisations conduct:

• interactive seminars for high school and university students;
• video series on YouTube or TikTok;
• educational campaigns on social media;
• distribution of leaflets, posters, and infographics.

Particular emphasis is placed on critical thinking: the ability to distinguish advertising from reality, assess risks, and understand consequences. To this end, organisations work with media experts, marketers, and influencers.

Monitoring, research, and analysis — the foundation of strategy

To be effective, work must be based on data. Civil society organisations can:

• analyse data on hotline calls;
• track changes in user behaviour after campaigns;
• conduct surveys among young people about their awareness of the risks of gambling;
• collaborate with universities on research.

Based on the findings, strategies can be adapted — changing the format of events, campaign targeting, languages and terms used. This creates a flexible, dynamic system for responding to changes in society.

Recommendations and conclusions

Civil society organisations have a powerful potential for influence, and this potential should be realised:

• Disseminate objective information through expert resources such as Legjobb Kaszino.
• Create partnerships with legal online casinos such as Unibet.
• Engage young people through modern formats: TikTok, Instagram content, memes.
• Invest in mental health and expand the network of counsellors.
• Seek changes in legislation regulating the gambling sector.

Only systematic interaction between the state, business, the public and the media will help reduce the harm that gambling can cause.

Conclusion

Online casinos are a challenge, but also an opportunity. An opportunity to build a transparent, responsible model of interaction between players, business and society.

Civil society organisations are at the forefront of this fight, and they have the power to change reality through information, education, psychological support and partnership. The role of websites such as Legjobb Kaszino is to give people a choice. And our duty is to help them make that choice consciously.