EuroPoker, as operator of the website Europoker.com, is fully aware of its responsibility towards society. The Company takes this responsibility very seriously. In recent months, it has therefore placed greater emphasis on this fundamental obligation towards its customers, the general public, and its own employees.

Corporate Social Responsibility

EuroPoker has set up a special department for corporate social responsibility. The new department is responsible not only for activities that aim to prevent gaming addiction, but also for developing, coordinating and implementing any other newly identified CSR projects. One of the department’s main tasks is to learn from the development of the Company, while reflecting its political, strategic and practical goals so as to continually improve them.

The “Corporate Social Responsibility” department operates proactively, taking a comprehensive approach to social responsibility rather than adopting a narrow focus. It participates in national as well as international committees and is committed to generating and imparting knowledge. The entire team ensures that the Company’s communications and the product range correspond to the highest possible standards.

Prevention of gaming addiction

The popularity of sports betting, casino and other games is growing steadily; they have become an integral part of people's daily lives, and an expression of their happiness and wellbeing. Some behaviour that is absolutely harmless when practised in moderation may entail a risk of addiction for small groups of the population. For example, shopping may become addictive, as well as playing sports, eating or consuming alcohol.

In the case of gaming addiction, a person’s life may be dominated by games of chance. He or she may use gaming as a means of escaping possibly unresolved problems or inner conflicts. A person addicted to gaming may have many unconscious motives, and though winning money is a strong incentive, it is only one of many.

We are aware that taking part in any kind of games of skill or games of chance may lead to personal and social problems. In this connection, we assume responsibility in many ways through information and prevention.

Since summer 2007, all customer enquiries relating to problem gaming have been channelled through Customer Support to a “Responsible Gaming Team”. The team’s task is to ensure that the online gaming products contribute to the customer’s entertainment in a positive way. Within the CSR department, the team makes sure that existing measures are continually improved, and that new interactive and proactive prevention schemes are developed. In serving this purpose, it acts as an interface with a research project. It is also responsible for informing and training employees in this field.

Prevention programme

Some time ago, we started setting up joint ventures with established independent therapy/counselling/treatment institutes so as to be able to recommend professional counselling and therapy to customers at risk. With a special focus on the Internet, the Company intends to develop entirely new solutions, particularly in the area of prevention.

Joint research project with the Harvard Medical School (a Cambridge Health Alliance Division on Addiction)

We have built up a long-term research project in collaboration with Harvard Medical School. The first stage of this project involves compiling and analyzing objective and valid data with respect to the gaming habits of potential problem gamers. At the second stage, preventive measures will be developed and evaluated in the light of these results.

The primary objective of this project is to detect early signs of gaming addiction and to prevent addiction if possible. Mediation is yet another important purpose of the project: this involves detecting conspicuous behaviour earlier so as to be able to respond with appropriate measures - taking into account the individual’s particular situation where possible. Ideally, this programme will not only prevent pathological gamers from continuing to play, but also make them aware of any problems they may have while offering suitable help and support.

The project with Harvard Medical School has initially been planned to last three years, and has been financed by ourselves to the amount of EUR 1.4 million.

Safe entertainment coupled with responsibility

We have no intention of telling our customers what to do. Our definition of social responsibility is based on the responsible attitudes of our customers. Some examples of the remedies offered by the Company are outlined below.

Gaming addiction – how do I tell if I am at risk? Where can I obtain assistance?

Rules of responsible gaming

At risk – what now?

Block your account

Protection of minors

Professional help

Contact