Responsibility
Play by the rules! See our commitment to responsible gaming.
Responsibility
Our
Commitment
The responsible behavior of companies, regardless of the sector in which they operate, is increasingly coming under the spotlight.
This is especially true in EU member states, where sustainability and responsibility are key topics, with gambling operators being no exception. Drawing inspiration from traditional gambling markets like those in the U.S. and U.K., Fortuna Entertainment Group (FEG) decided to step in and unite on strategies that focus on preemptively reducing and supporting at-risk customers.
FEG operates only in fully regulated markets where gambling regulations exist, but initiatives such as responsible gaming have not yet been introduced.
Player
Protection
FEG operates only in fully regulated markets where gambling regulations exist, but initiatives such as responsible gaming have not yet been introduced.
Several noteworthy responsible gaming (RG) measures are stated in local laws, such as allowing players to set self-limiting measures (which are optional and can be refused), prohibiting minors from playing, and including warnings in advertisements about the potential for serious addiction. However, there is no comprehensive regulation in this area, and no requirement for gaming operators to implement RG programs with real customer protection measures.
To protect our customers and eliminate the risk of harm, we have developed a strategy focused on Proactive Customer Protection and Regulatory Industry Awareness.
Increasing
Awareness
We drew insights from the more established UK and Western markets and adapted and enhanced them for our CEE region. We analyzed the portfolios of our players in each market, identified similar signs of those at risk, and selected mathematical algorithms (Markers of Harm) that are applicable and tested for our markets to indicate such behavior. Simultaneously, we conducted research for each market, involving real players, industry experts, and addiction specialists, to validate our approach and learn about additional methods for detecting at-risk players and how to approach them, such as through communication with players and suspension of marketing materials.
However, our program does not stop there. It also addresses intervention and immediate professional help for those who are unable to gamble within reasonable limits. Players should have accessible and understandable information on how to stay in control of their gambling, available tools, and where to seek effective help. FEG includes information about the project in our advertisements and restricts marketing communication to players who display risky behavior, as identified by the tool.
Creating
Community
FEG launched its own responsible gaming initiative, called Hrajme Zodpovedne (Play Responsibly*), with unique branding and dedicated websites in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, and Croatia. These websites offer players comprehensive information on identifying and managing risky gaming behaviors, along with contacts for specialists and doctors who can assist with addiction or financial issues.
In addition, we hold Responsible Gaming Week in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Poland in collaboration with other operators. This initiative aims to raise awareness about responsible gaming, ensuring that our customers and their families understand how to set limits on their gaming activities and when and where to turn for help if needed.
Our proudest achievement lies in our leadership role in the responsible gaming field. Moreover, we've successfully onboarded other operators, thereby influencing the entire industry positively.
Biggest
Achievements
Fortuna successfully brought onboard three major operators in the Czech Republic – Tipsport, Chance, and Sazka. During a press conference in September 2021, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding and a Responsible Gaming (RG) Code of Conduct with them. This code outlines commitments to implementing RG measures, such as early detection software for at-risk players, responsible marketing practices, and mandatory annual audits (the latest one took place in June 2023) to ensure compliance with RG obligations.
This proactive approach extends to our operations in other countries, where we're leading engagement with operators to establish RG standards. In Slovakia, we established a new Institute for Responsible Gaming, with Fortuna, Tipsport, Niké, and Tipos as founding members and signed the same Memorandum and RG Code of Conduct as in the Czech Republic. At the same time, we launched Responsible Gaming Week and announced our joint plans during a press conference.
In Romania, we kicked off meetings with Kindred and Superbet to try to align on the same strategy and together with Romanian association Joc Responsabil (Responsible gaming) we drive the RG initiatives together.
Overall, our Responsible Gaming program is a forward-thinking initiative aimed at driving RG in the CEE region and self-regulating responsible operators in respective countries – a step that has not been taken before.