Responsible Play at Fortuna: Signs, Tools and Help

In §§ 13 to 16, zákon č. 186/2016 Sb. provides that a gambling operator must equip players with tools and information that allow them to play safely. This applies to every operator, and FORTUNA GAME a.s. is no exception. The obligations cover offering financial and time limits, explaining the risks and the option of self-exclusion, and protecting minors.

The term responsible gambling itself refers to a conscious approach to play in which the player stays in control. The goal is to keep the risks of excessive gambling small and to prevent addiction. It cannot work without the player's own involvement: anyone who pays close attention to their behaviour will recognise warning signs early.

Gambling can get out of hand without the player noticing straight away. Typical symptoms include:

• restlessness, irritability or anxiety at times when gambling is not possible,
• hiding gambling from a partner, family or friends,
• chasing losses, that is, trying to win back money already lost,
• borrowing to gamble and repeatedly going over set limits,
• gambling ever more often or for ever larger sums,
• putting off work, study and family duties,
• carrying on despite debt or disputes,
• a worse mental or physical state connected with gambling.

If you or the people close to you recognise yourselves in any of these points, it is time to use the preventive tools or ask for professional help.

Fortuna offers responsible gambling tools to every registered player directly in the user account, as zákon č. 186/2016 Sb. requires. Which one to choose depends on what you want to restrict:

• If you want to keep deposits under control, set a deposit limit for a day, week or month. Once you have used it up, you cannot send more money to the gaming account until the period expires.
• If your concern is how much you stake or lose, choose the bet and loss limit. It applies for a period you define, and once it is reached the system stops play.
• If you are watching the clock, use a time limit per day or week. It is complemented by the reality check, a notice that appears at regular intervals and shows the time spent playing.
• If you need to step away from gambling altogether for a while, there is a time-out of 24 hours, 7 days or 30 days. Until it ends you cannot log in or play; afterwards the account is active again.

You can set, lower or remove a limit yourself in the account, but any increase only applies after a protection period lasting 24 hours or more.

The panic button lets you exclude yourself from all gambling immediately and temporarily, for 48 hours. Gambling operators have had to offer it since 1 July 2024, when the obligation under § 16bb of zákon č. 186/2016 Sb. took effect.

How it works:

• you will find the button directly in the user interface, and any registered player can use it,
• once you press it, the system automatically excludes you from all of the operator's online platforms,
• for 48 hours you cannot take part in gambling,
• at the same time you are offered the option to apply for entry into the Register of Excluded Persons (RVO).

Deciding to stop gambling for a while or completely is your legal right. It is governed by § 16 and § 16b of zákon č. 186/2016 Sb.: a player may ask the operator for temporary or permanent exclusion from play. You submit the request in your user account or, alternatively, through the operator.

Once you are entered in the Register of Excluded Persons (RVO), the exclusion applies to every gambling operator in the Czech Republic, not just one. You can be removed from the register one year after the entry at the earliest.

An entry in the Register of Excluded Persons (RVO) has a clear consequence: the person concerned cannot take part in gambling with any licensed operator in the Czech Republic. The register is kept by the Ministry of Finance (Ministerstvo financí ČR) in accordance with zákon č. 186/2016 Sb.

It lists people who have themselves asked to be excluded, as well as those excluded by law, which includes for example people in enforcement or insolvency proceedings and those who receive certain benefits.

An application for entry can be made:

• through the data box of the Ministry of Finance,
• in the user account with the gambling operator,
• in person at Czech POINT,
• after pressing the panic button, when you simply confirm the application.

Participation by minors in gambling is strictly forbidden. Zákon č. 186/2016 Sb. only permits gambling from the age of 18, so the operator is required to verify the age and identity of all players. To do this it uses, for example, BankID or other verification methods. The check takes place at registration and again when winnings are withdrawn.

The seven statements below are based on the PGSI index (Problem Gambling Severity Index). For each one, consider whether it applies to you.

• More money goes on gambling than I set in advance.
• I feel I should cut my gambling down.
• I feel guilty during or after gambling.
• I try to win my losses back by gambling again.
• Because of gambling I neglect duties or relationships.
• People close to me have said that I have a gambling problem.
• I have borrowed money to gamble.

If more than one statement applies to you, consider the prevention tools or contact specialists. This is a rough guide, not a professional diagnosis.

1. Společnost Podané ruce, website podaneruce.cz
2. National Helpline for Addiction: call 800 350 000 free of charge and without giving your name
3. Clinic of Addictology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, adiktologie.cz

These organisations deal with gambling addiction and provide expert help with an emphasis on discretion.

Need something on this page explained? Drop us a message at contact@fortuna-promo.cz and tell us what you are looking for.

How can I tell that I should do something about my gambling, and whom can I contact? The self-test on this page will help. You can restrict your gambling with limits and talk to professionals: National Helpline for Addiction, telephone 800 350 000. Panic button: where is it compulsory and how long does the exclusion last? Operators of internet games and gaming halls must have it from 1 July 2024. Exclusion from all gambling takes effect immediately and lasts 48 hours. Which limits can I use at Fortuna? Deposit, bet, loss and time limits. You will find them in your user account, in the area dedicated to responsible gambling. How do I apply for entry in the Register of Excluded Persons? You have four options: your account with the operator, the panic button followed by confirmation, a data box message to the ministry, or applying in person at Czech POINT. Where is further information available? With the operator in its responsible gambling section, and on the website of the Ministry of Finance (Ministerstvo financí ČR). May minors gamble? No. Gambling is only for people aged 18 and over; the operator checks this at registration and when winnings are withdrawn. When is it possible to leave the RVO? Removal from the register comes into question one year after the entry at the earliest.

• 18+: only people aged 18 or over may gamble in the Czech Republic.
• Official warning text: taking part in gambling may result in addiction (Ministerstvo financí ČR).