Loterías y Apuestas

General Information on Safe Gambling and the Potential Risks of Gambling

Gambling

Gambling is an activity that has become part of leisure activities, without causing problems for most people and enjoying significant social acceptance. However, just as alcohol consumption can lead to alcoholism or recreational drug use can lead to addiction, participation in gambling activities—at least in certain types of games—can lead a small group of vulnerable individuals to problematic or pathological gambling, the consequences of which extend beyond the person affected to impact family, work, and society.

Research has highlighted that these gambling problems are not random but are closely related to the types of games, their level of risk, and the behavior of the players themselves.

SELAE is aware that gambling can be a problem for a small portion of players in terms of addictive behavior. For this reason, SELAE promotes a model focused on responsible gambling and the protection of minors and vulnerable groups. SELAE has implemented the best Responsible Gaming practices of the European Lotteries across all business processes (from design to sale). SELAE is regularly audited by an external entity to independently ensure compliance with these best practices.

What is pathological gambling?

Pathological gambling is a behavioral disorder recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO). In 1992, it was defined as a disorder characterized by frequent and repeated episodes of participation in gambling, which dominate the life of the affected person to the detriment of social, work, material, and family obligations. This behavior persists and often escalates despite adverse social consequences such as personal financial loss, deterioration of family relationships, and critical personal situations.

In 2013, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) classified gambling disorder as a non-substance addiction due to similarities in clinical expression, origin, physical comorbidity, and treatment with other addictions such as alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs.

For those affected by this disorder, gambling becomes a habit they feel unable to break, and the pleasure of gambling turns into a sense of discomfort. They continue to gamble despite repeated efforts to control, stop, or reduce their behavior.

Signs of Risky Behavior

There are certain signs that indicate risky gambling behavior, including:

If you recognize yourself in 4 or more of these signs, you should see a specialist for help.

Impact of Problem Gambling

Myths and Facts about Gambling

MYTH: "If I keep playing, my luck will change and I can recover the money I lost."

FACT: The chances of winning do not change because you play more, as each gambling result is independent of previous bets: your chances of winning do not change over time.

MYTH: "I was so close last time, I will win next time."

FACT: The outcome of a bet is not influenced by having almost won previously.

MYTH: "If I place my bet at this outlet, or with this pen, I have a better chance of winning."

FACT: The outcome of gambling NEVER depends on our superstitions.

MYTH: "My knowledge of past numbers increases my chances of winning."

FACT: In number games, winning depends only on luck, not on our knowledge or skills.

What is Responsible Gambling

Responsible Gambling refers to good practices, measures, and tools implemented by operators to reduce or eliminate the negative impacts gambling can have on some individuals, especially the most vulnerable groups.

Loterías’ commitment to responsible gambling is reflected in the implementation of best practices and measures. Since 2013, Loterías has been certified in the European Lotteries Responsible Gambling standard. It is audited annually by an external entity to verify compliance.

https://www.european-lotteries.org/responsible-gaming-standards

Loterías’ Responsible Gambling management model follows the ten sections defined in the EL Responsible Gambling Standard: Governance, employee training, retailers, game design, digital channels, advertising and marketing, referral to treatment providers, player information, stakeholder dialogue, reporting, and certification.

https://www.european-lotteries.org/european-gaming-standards