Q. Gambling often draws mixed reactions in society. Andrew, how do you personally define the line between entertainment and addiction?
I would define it through three criteria: control, balance, and consequences. When a person plays for fun, they can set boundaries and stop without pressure. With addiction, control is lost, and the dynamic is reversed. The game dictates behaviour instead of the player. In this case, one returns not because they want to, but because they feel compelled.
Balance is another key factor. If gambling fits into life without disrupting work, family, or social duties, it remains a hobby. When it pushes aside other priorities, the line has already been crossed. Add to this a third element: consequences. Addiction shows when someone is willing to sacrifice money, time, or health to keep playing.
So, the line between fun and addiction appears when play stops being a choice and turns into compulsion. The challenge is that players rarely notice it early, which is why education and control tools become essential.
Q. Do you think this line is the same for everyone, or does it depend on psychology and individual circumstances?
I believe it is highly individual. Psychology, life experience, and personal conditions shape how each person perceives risk. Some have strong self-discipline and are able to set limits and stick to them. Others struggle more with self-control, which increases the risk of harmful involvement. Social and cultural context also matters. In some countries, gambling is viewed more strictly, in others, more openly, as in the UK. These factors all influence how a player interprets their own behaviour. This is why platforms must account for different user profiles and create flexible tools that help maintain balance.
Q. You mentioned that companies must consider different user profiles. What responsibility should gaming platforms take to protect players?
The responsibility is significant and cannot be ignored. The first aspect is transparency. Players need to understand the rules, odds, and risks, rather than face hidden or heavily marketed information. When both the game and the platform are clear, users have fewer false expectations.
The second aspect is self-control tools. Modern technology makes it possible to set time or spending limits, reminders of session length, and options to pause participation, whether for a day or permanently. This should not be seen as limiting freedom. On the contrary, these features help players stay in control.
Q. Can the industry regulate itself, or is government oversight and legislation unavoidable?
Self-regulation is possible, but it is not always enough. Companies can adopt voluntary standards, sign responsibility codes, and develop their own monitoring systems. This works where businesses focus on long-term reputation. But there will always be players in the industry who put quick profit ahead of user safety. That is why government oversight remains essential. Legislation sets the minimum standard: licensing requirements, mandatory responsible gaming tools, and bans on unfair practices. In my view, the optimal model is a combination of the two.
Q. What specific mechanisms help detect risky player behaviour in time?
It is a combination of technology and behavioural analysis. A platform can monitor extended sessions, sudden increases in deposits, or repeated attempts to chase losses. Algorithms can flag these patterns when they occur, triggering alerts or suggesting players set limits. To me, the key is to implement such tools carefully and without pressure. If done poorly, they can backfire and create resistance. The real aim is not to restrict players, but to remind them when it might be wise to stop.
Q. What signals should a player notice to realise the game has stopped being entertaining?
There are several clear signs. The first is when gambling starts taking more time and displacing daily routines, for example, skipping a workout to keep playing. The second is emotional change. Irritation, anxiety, or the urge to “win it back” replace normal enjoyment. The third is when gambling begins to affect finances or relationships. If someone is playing not for fun, but to pay debts or escape problems, that is a red flag. Recognising these signs early and taking a break is crucial.
Q. What practical advice would you give to those who want to play safely?
I would highlight three simple principles. They are well known but often ignored, even though they work. First, set limits in advance. Decide how much time and resources you are willing to spend, and stick to it, even if you feel tempted to keep going. Second, treat gambling as entertainment, not as a source of income. This reduces false expectations and the emotional pressure that comes with them. Third, take breaks. Even if you are enjoying the game, stepping away regularly helps maintain balance and perspective.
Q. Do free versions of games, like Roulette77, help reduce risks, or do they only fuel interest in gambling?
Free versions can play a positive role when used correctly. They allow players to learn the mechanics, rules, and pace of the game without financial pressure. This helps newcomers decide if they actually enjoy the process before considering real play. Of course, interest may grow, but that is why free versions should be paired with educational content about risks. In Roulette77, we emphasise this: guides, advice, strategies, and tools. In short, we provide as much information as possible to encourage responsible engagement with roulette.
