Responsible Gaming (RG)
In Canada, responsible gambling aims to protect public interest by minimizing harm and fostering a responsible gaming environment. The industry collaborates with governments, researchers, and treatment organizations to offer top-tier problem gambling services. It leads in responsible gaming programs, integrating it as a fundamental operating philosophy.
From coast to coast to coast, Canada encourages informed player choices. Initiatives like the CGA's Action Plan to Promote Responsible Play aim to enhance public awareness of healthy play and emphasize operators' commitment to responsible gaming.
The CGA’s Action Plan to Promote Responsible Play is designed to:
Create a strong, credible RG voice and brand coming from the commercial sector –respected, represented in all forums, and recognized.
Demonstrate that the private sector is an RG leader by telling our stories and supporting members to communicate effectively about RG.
Support members to evolve and improve RG policies and programs that are effective and recognized as best in class, and to leverage existing resources and not duplicate efforts.
Responsible Gaming Guiding Principles
The Guiding Principles were created with contributions from members, industry stakeholders, and in collaboration with the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) to standardize the approach within the industry and establish a common language regarding the responsibility to promote responsible play and protect players, families, and communities.
The CGA and members take responsible play very seriously and these Guiding Principles are one of many initiatives to ensure that Canada has the safest playing environment possible.
GUIDING PRINCIPLE 1
Shared Responsibility
Description
We believe protecting and supporting players is a shared responsibility amongst industry, government agencies, policymakers, not-for-profit organizations and regulators.
Further Context
- In accepting this first Guiding Principle, we collectively acknowledge that promoting responsible gambling in Canada is a shared responsibility and we must be unified in creating a safe playing environment.
- In order to achieve this, we also need to collaborate with researchers, advocacy organizations, treatment providers, community organizations, and other like-minded organizations, working together to promote responsible gambling in Canada.
GUIDING PRINCIPLE 2
Strong Culture of Player Protection and Responsible Gambling
Description
We build a strong culture of player protection and Responsible Gambling within our organizations, via “tone from the top” and through the implementation of clear and effective programs and policies across all business units, divisions and departments.
Further Context
- Key to the success of this second Principle is our collective focus on building and emphasizing organizational cultures that understand, acknowledge, promote, and support player protection and responsible gambling.
GUIDING PRINCIPLE 3
Responsibility to Inform
Description
We are committed to informing the public and players of the risks associated with gambling, promoting informed choice, and mitigating potential harms.
Further Context
- It is important to reinforce that our collective responsibility to inform encompasses all players and extends to families, communities and society.
GUIDING PRINCIPLE 4
Education, Supports and Services
Description
We provide meaningful education to ensure that ALL players have the information they need about a broad range of gambling harm-related supports and services.
Further Context
- This involves addressing the needs of all players, not just high-risk ones.
- This also includes offering various choices, information touchpoints, and customized supports that enhance engagement and facilitate meaningful interactions.
GUIDING PRINCIPLE 5
Protecting Higher Risk Players
Description
We take action to proactively protect higher-risk players, vulnerable populations, including youth, and believe it is a fundamental responsibility of our industry.
Further Context
In protecting higher risk players, key actions will include collectively:
- Building robust systems that identify and respond to players who are at risk of experiencing harm.
- Creating opportunities for impactful and effective interactions with players that go beyond providing information.
- Fostering direct engagement and actively encouraging behavioural change.
- Protecting children, youth and young adults, those who have an increased risk of experiencing harm, such as those who have a history of mental illness, and individuals in a state where judgment is impaired.
GUIDING PRINCIPLE 6
Innovation and Continuous Improvement
Description
We create safer products and play environments
by collaborating on research, advancing technology, continuous improvement, and sharing data and information.
Further Context
In order to continue to innovate and continuously improve we must collectively:
-
Demonstrate accountability for our responsibilities towards players, families and communities.
-
Continue to conduct innovative and cutting edge research, evaluation, monitoring, risk assessment and consultation.
-
Actively share data and information with valued industry partners.
-
Continue to reduce stigma around gambling and reinforce gambling as a legitimate form of entertainment in our country.
-
Build public confidence in our collective ability to create a safe, responsible environment that promotes the health and wellbeing of players.
Download Guiding Principles
National Code for Responsible Gambling Advertising (with Ad Standards Canada)
Coming soon.