Published Research and Insight Projects

Read recent and past research and insights projects published by RGC’s Centre for the Advancement of Best Practices.

A Framework for VLT Safeguards in Canadian Hospitality Settings

Feb 14, 2019

Responsible Gambling Council

In the past two decades, there has been a considerable increase in our understanding of responsible gambling policies, strategies and safeguards for players in different gambling settings. The preponderance of the ‘best practices’ research and analysis however, has been focused on gambling venues like casinos and, more recently, online gambling. Responsible gambling programs and player supports in hospitality establishments such as bars, lounges and restaurants have received less attention.

This report is intended to be one contribution towards closing that gap.

The report provides an up-to-date picture of VLT gambling as well as the RG policies, player safeguards, and resources currently in place across Canada, and offers a series of recommendations which constitute a framework of best practice safeguards specific to VLT play in hospitality settings.


Best Practices for Self-Exclusion Reinstatement and Renewal

Mar 31, 2016

Responsible Gambling Council

This research project investigates and identifies best practices for self-exclusion reinstatement and renewal. Specific objectives are threefold:

  • Compile an inventory of reinstatement and renewal options applicable to both land-based and online gaming environments
  • Provide an assessment of pros and cons related to various reinstatement and renewal options
  • Synthesize the best available evidence and knowledge on promising reinstatement and renewal options

The findings of this report favour an active reinstatement process that offers two streams based on the presence or absence of risk warning signs at the end of a self-exclusion term. Following the completion of a self-exclusion term, an operator assesses markers that may represent risks of future problems. The risk assessment process then takes into account such things as history of multiple breaches, as well as their risk signs including family concerns, records of unstable or threatening behaviour and other red flag indicators.


Responsible Gambling Best Practices for Player Incentives: Land-Based Venues

Mar 5, 2015

Responsible Gambling Council

This project focuses on player incentives at land-based venues and gathers information from Canadian and international jurisdictions. Literature and policy reviews, a focus group, and a two-day forum are all used to obtain data.

On balance, player loyalty programs—as long as they are not seen exclusively as a marketing tool – have some potential benefits from a player protection perspective. That assumes that loyalty programs and other incentives actively build in tools and analytics that enable increased player information and safeguards. The report outlines best practices in the following areas:

  1. Promoting informed decision-making
  2. Ensuring marketing incorporates an RG perspective
  3. Optimizing RG in the earning and redemption of rewards
  4. Supporting at-risk players

Explore Past Reports


Responsible Gambling for Lotteries

Jan 10, 2014

Responsible Gambling Council


Gambling and Problem Gambling in Ontario

Jun 26, 2013

Ontario Problem Gambling Research Centre & The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care


Monetary Limits Tools for Internet Gamblers

Jun 14, 2013

Responsible Gambling Council


Responding to Patrons with Potential Gambling Problems

Nov 8, 2012

Responsible Gambling Council


Informed Decision-Making

Jul 7, 2011

Responsible Gambling Council


 

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