Staying in Control at Betano: Tools, Exclusion and Help

Gambling responsibly means keeping the game under control and approaching it with thought, so that excessive play does no harm and no addiction develops.

Part of the responsibility lies with the operator. Under §§ 13 to 16 of Act No. 186/2016 Coll., KAIZEN GAMING CZ LIMITED too must give players:

• means of limiting the money they spend and the time they spend playing,
• clear information about the risks gambling brings,
• an explanation of how self-exclusion works,
• measures that prevent minors from gambling.

Your part is to notice how you play and not to overlook warning signs while they are still small.

Problem gambling usually announces itself in advance. Take note if you see in yourself or in someone close to you that:

• restlessness, irritability or anxiety set in without gambling,
• the gambling is kept secret and its extent is hidden from the family,
• losses are chased with more play,
• money is borrowed for gambling and personal financial limits are broken again and again,
• play becomes ever more frequent and the amounts ever higher,
• work, school or family suffer because of gambling,
• play goes on despite debts and quarrels,
• mental or physical health is getting worse.

If any point fits, reach for the prevention tools or ask for professional help.

Every registered Betano player has tools in the user account that, in line with Act No. 186/2016 Coll., help keep gambling within bounds:

• a deposit limit per day, week or month; once you use it up, the next deposit is possible only in the new period;
• a bet and loss limit, which sets a ceiling on the volume of bets or on net loss over the chosen period; once it is reached, no further play is possible;
• a time limit per day or week, together with a reality check that regularly reminds you how long you have been playing;
• a time-out of 24 hours, 7 days or 30 days, during which you cannot log in or play; afterwards the account works again.

You can set, lower or cancel a limit in the account. An increase takes effect only after a protection period lasting at least 24 hours.

Every registered player has a panic button available in the user interface. When you press it, the system automatically disconnects you from all of the operator's online platforms, and for 48 hours you cannot take part in any gambling. At the same time it offers you the option of applying for entry in the Register of Excluded Persons (RVO).

Operators of internet gambling and of gaming halls have been required to offer the panic button since 1 July 2024; the duty is laid down by Act No. 186/2016 Coll.

Under § 16 and § 16b of Act No. 186/2016 Coll. a player may ask to be excluded from gambling and chooses whether this should be temporary or permanent. The request is made in the user account or through the gambling operator.

There are four ways into the Register of Excluded Persons (RVO):

1. in person at a Czech POINT contact office,
2. via the data box of the Ministry of Finance of the Czech Republic,
3. by a request in your own user account with the operator,
4. by confirming the request after activating the panic button.

The ministry keeps the register under Act No. 186/2016 Coll. Besides people who asked for exclusion, it also lists persons excluded directly by law, for instance people facing enforcement or insolvency proceedings or those receiving certain benefits. An entry applies to all gambling operators in the Czech Republic: a listed person does not gamble with anyone holding a Czech licence. Removal is possible after 1 year at the earliest.

Act No. 186/2016 Coll. sets the limit at 18, and younger people must not take part in gambling. The operator therefore establishes the age and identity of every player, for example through BankID or another verification method, and does so at registration and when winnings are withdrawn.

The seven questions below are based on the PGSI (Problem Gambling Severity Index) and will help you judge whether you are still the one in charge of your gambling:

1. Do you spend more on gambling than you originally intended?
2. Does it occur to you that you should play less or limit your gambling?
3. Do you feel remorse after gambling?
4. Do you carry on playing mainly to wipe out a loss?
5. Do you put off duties or relationships because of gambling?
6. Has someone around you pointed out that something is not right with your gambling?
7. Have you ever borrowed money to gamble?

Answering yes to several questions is a signal to consider the prevention tools or to get in touch with specialists. The result is only indicative. The test cannot replace a professional diagnosis.

If gambling is no longer fun for you, that is a good moment to talk to professionals. These services help people with gambling addiction and keep things discreet:

• National Helpline for Addiction (Národní linka pro odvykání): 800 350 000, free and anonymous,
• Společnost Podané ruce: www.podaneruce.cz,
• Clinic of Addictology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague: adiktologie.cz.

How do I get into the Register of Excluded Persons (RVO)?

Apply in your account with the operator, activate the panic button, send a request via data box to the Ministry of Finance of the Czech Republic or go in person to Czech POINT.

When can I be removed from the RVO?

Removal is possible 1 year after the entry at the earliest.

What exactly does the panic button do?

It immediately excludes you from all gambling for 48 hours. Operators have had to offer it since 1 July 2024.

Which limits can I set at Betano?

Limits on deposits, bets, losses and time spent playing. You will find them in the user account, in the part devoted to responsible gambling.

What should I do if I feel I gamble too much?

Take the self-test, set yourself limits or call the National Helpline for Addiction on 800 350 000.

May someone under 18 play?

No. Minors must not gamble, and the operator checks this at registration and when winnings are withdrawn.

Where can I find more information?

In the responsible gambling section of the operator's website and on the pages of the Ministry of Finance of the Czech Republic.

Send questions about this page or requests for more information to the editors at contact@betano-vstup.cz.

By law, gambling is only for people aged 18 and over (18+); for younger people it is forbidden.

The Ministry of Finance warns: “Participation in gambling may lead to addiction.”