In this AffPapa exclusive, Šimon Vincze, Head of Safer and Sustainable Gambling at Casino Guru and leader of the Global Self-Exclusion Initiative, talks openly about the gambling industry’s changing reputation, why educating players matters, and how genuine care and responsibility are reshaping what success looks like beyond just immediate profits. The Persistent Shadow of Gambling’s
In this AffPapa exclusive, Šimon Vincze, Head of Safer and Sustainable Gambling at Casino Guru and leader of the Global Self-Exclusion Initiative, talks openly about the gambling industry’s changing reputation, why educating players matters, and how genuine care and responsibility are reshaping what success looks like beyond just immediate profits.
The Persistent Shadow of Gambling’s Reputation
Šimon, being one of this industry’s pioneers for a safer and sustainable gambling experience, how would you describe the public perception of gambling today, and what do you think has shaped it over the years?
Even though it might seem harsh, gambling belongs to the vice category right next to drugs or pornography for many people. Moreover, taking part in a gambling activity or even talking about it in any other tone than a negative one is considered taboo in many cultures. If you have ever tried to explain your gambling job to a friend or family relative, you know what I am talking about.
It should come as no surprise, as gambling operators have always been portrayed as evil actors. Whether in a Hollywood movie or a story from someone you know, they are always the bad guys luring their victims with tricky slot machines and usury loans. The ugly truth is that nothing much has been done to change that image over the years.
Do you think part of that negative perception comes from a lack of understanding of how gambling actually works?
Absolutely. The mathematics behind gambling is the real factor that makes operators profitable over players, not manipulation or deception. The house edge, calculated over a large number of game rounds, guarantees the operator’s advantage in the long term without interfering with the random outcome of any single game.
The problem is that the average person doesn’t really understand this, which creates space for misconceptions. For many years, some gambling providers found this misunderstanding comfortable and focused mainly on the excitement of winning rather than educating players about the mechanics behind the games. But the current evolution of gambling, primarily online, challenges this status quo.
Understanding Addiction
Gambling can easily cross the line from entertainment to addiction. What actually happens when that line is crossed, and what makes it much more complicated than it might seem?
We now know that the thrill of taking risks is a natural part of human life, and it is impossible to avoid it. It releases dopamine in our brains, which can skyrocket in case of a big win.
People have been gambling for centuries, and the harm caused by excessive gambling has existed just as long. For many years, the narrative on overspending was that adults should be responsible for their decisions. However, there is a problem – an addicted person loses the ability to control themselves and think straight.
To put it in perspective, imagine a blind person walking toward a busy motorway. You would instinctively stop them. But in gambling, that’s not as straightforward…Should you stop someone from spending too much? Probably yes, but what if they can afford it, or don’t want you to tell them what to do? Unsolicited advice rarely lands nicely, but turning a blind eye is worse. Such conflicts make the reduction of gambling harm a complex issue.
Building Player Trust Through Care and Communication
From your perspective, what role does genuine player engagement play in shaping trust between operators and players?
I can say that even today, many gambling operators are hesitant to engage with their players beyond bonuses and promotions, afraid that doing so will intrude on their initial intention of spending money with them. That presumption is false, as customers generally like to be cared for. A natural interest in their well-being can go a long way and create a strong engagement and relationship.
This kind of engagement is especially powerful when it involves safer gambling conversations and voluntary limit-setting. Research from an online brand shows that customers who set a voluntary limit were 2.92 times more likely to remain active after twelve months, based on a sample of 175,818 people.
The beauty of it is that it shifts responsibility back to players in a brand-new form. In contrast to unaware players who don’t fully understand the risks and harms of gambling, it forms an informed player base aware of the risks and their limits, enjoying the thrill of the game, and being loyal to the brand. “Please play responsibly” gets an entirely new meaning.
Redefining Success: Profits Through Loyalty and Responsibility
Finally, how do you define success in today’s gambling industry beyond immediate revenue?
When thinking about success in today’s gambling industry, it’s no longer just about profits or growth figures. True success lies in building sustainable relationships with players, focusing on trust, loyalty, and responsible engagement. Moreover, acquiring new players is becoming increasingly expensive, while retention not only reduces costs but also drives consistent long-term earnings. Add the growing brand loyalty of the younger generation, and you’ll hardly find reasons why taking care of your customers shouldn’t be the number one priority.
Satisfied and healthy spending customers represent reliable long-term income for your business. How about adding a gamification feature that rewards players every time they hit a threshold below their monthly limit?
Shifting the focus toward player well-being, education, and self-management is not only viable for business but also has the potential to change the general image of gambling and make the lives of everyone involved easier. It may be easier to talk about our jobs with others in the years to come.
Even as the gambling industry wrestles with its reputation, Šimon Vincze reminds us that trust and care still matter nd that change starts with small, thoughtful actions. With this exclusive, AffPapa sheds light on why understanding, educating, and genuinely engaging with players can make all the difference, not just for the industry but for everyone involved.