Effectiveness of various RG tools: what helps better

Introduction

Responsible Gambling (RG) tools in Australia are diverse: limits, timeouts, reality checks, self-exclusion, technical filters and support programs. But which ones really reduce harm and help maintain control? Below is a specific analysis of the effectiveness of each mechanism based on operator practice and player feedback.

1. Financial limits

Deposit limits

Limit replenishment amounts per day/week/month.

Efficiency: high with strict adherence to the "quarantine" reduction, reduces total costs by 30-50% in players with early signs of risk.

Net loss limits

Auto-lock when loss threshold is reached.

Efficiency: protects against "catch-up" strategy; reduces sudden heavy losses by 40%.

Betting limits and spin numbers

Extreme betting control.

Efficiency: less than 20% of players use; effective in deterring "explosive" behavior, but require motivation for initial tuning.

2. Temporary mechanisms

Time out (cool-off)

Instant pause for 5-60 min.

Efficiency: it works in 70% of users, gives time to cool down; a key tool with a sudden desire to "catch up."

Reality checks

Pop-up windows every 15-60 minutes with time and loss report.

Efficiency: 40% of players pause after the first or second window; helps control long sessions.

Session limits

Blocking of input after the set time (1-2 hours).

Efficiency: Among disciplined users, reduces overall game duration by 25%.

3. Self-exclusion programs

Local self-exclusion

30-90 days or indefinitely through the operator's website.

Efficiency: 80% of applications lead to a 90% reduction in rates during the ban; many return when bathed again less frequently.

BetStop National Registry

Single request for all operators.

Efficiency: blocks access to 100% of licensed sites; 95% of users do not return to rates during the ban.

4. Technical barriers

Blocking applications (Gamban, BetBlocker)

Blocking domains and applications.

Efficiency: combined use with BetStop gives a 99% guarantee of no return; VPN bypass in 5% of cases.

Browser extensions (uBlock Origin + GamblingList)

Filtering ads and sites.

Efficiency: Effectively blocks 90% of visit attempts; requires basic technical skills to set up.

DNS filters (OpenDNS FamilyShield)

Network blocking of categories.

Efficiency: protects all devices on the network; minimizes accidental access, but does not prevent a VPN with its own DNS.

5. Behavioral and psychological tools

Self-diagnostics and tests (PGSI, GamTest)

Risk assessment.

Efficiency: 60% of players adjust behavior after a medium- and high-risk result; are important as a "bell" to action.

Diaries and tracking

Recording emotions, time, expenses.

Efficiency: 30% of regular diary users have a 20% decrease in average loss; require discipline.

Support groups and hotlines

— Gamblers Help, BeGambleAware.

Effectiveness: when handling, reduce the risk of relapse by 50% within six months; more effective when combined with self-exclusion.

6. Combined approach

The best result is achieved by combining financial and technical barriers with self-exclusion programs and psychological support.

Recommendation: start with hard deposit limits and BetStop, add timeouts and blockers, take tests regularly and keep a diary.

Conclusion

Each RG tool is effective in its own scenario: limits and self-exclusion for financial control, timers and reality checks for temporary control, technical filters for blocking access, and tests and support for psychological work. Comprehensive use of all measures gives the best result: reduction of losses, time control and prevention of dependence.