The number of self-exclusions has reached 15,000 - a strategy for preventing gambling addiction

The register of individuals who have voluntarily restricted their access to gambling has already reached 15,000 entries. This statistic sends an important signal: the self-exclusion tool is beginning to function not as a formal option, but as a real mechanism for player protection and a way to prevent risky behavior in a timely manner.

This is precisely where the strength of prevention lies. Gambling addiction is far easier to prevent than to deal with its consequences later. Therefore, a voluntary register, digital self-control tools, and rapid access to support are more valuable than rigid barriers, which often push some players into the shadow market.

At the same time, the government is preparing a more comprehensive response to the issue. This includes a dedicated study of the actual scale of gambling addiction, an information campaign to debunk common myths, and the expanded use of PlayCity tests for early detection of addiction. This is the right approach, as effective policy is difficult to design without reliable data, and behavioral change is unlikely without clear communication of risks.

At its core, the issue appears to lie in voluntary self-regulation. The convenience of online services, a clear application process, psychological support, hotlines, and other “soft” tools prove more effective than excessive coercion. They help reduce the risk of relapse and maintain financial discipline.

This is also important for the market. When responsible gambling becomes the norm, the legal segment gains greater trust, and the state has more opportunities for oversight. In such a model, self-exclusion is not merely an administrative mechanism but a sign of market maturity, where player protection is embedded in the foundation and perceived as an integral part of the system’s overall stability.