Problem Gambling and Responsible Gaming

Problem Gambling and Responsible Gaming – phenomenon, risks and coping

20 October 2011

In 2011, the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences at „Babeș-Bolyai” University in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, hosted a groundbreaking conference focusing on problem gambling and responsible gaming. The event brought together a diverse range of participants, including members of the community affected by gambling, researchers, healthcare professionals, representatives from the gaming industry, and regulatory authorities. The conference aimed to foster discussions on how these different sectors could contribute to prevention, intervention, and regulation efforts surrounding gambling and its risks.

The event opened with welcoming remarks from Prof. Dr. Călin Felezeu, Dean of the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, and Prof. Dr. Fior Dafin Mureșan, Vice Dean of the “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy. They emphasized the importance of the topic within both the medical and psychological fields, setting the stage for an engaging and informative day.
The first presentation was delivered by Assoc. Prof. Viorel Lupu, who provided an overview of the progress Romania had made in addressing problem gambling. Psyh. PhD. Izabela Ramona Todiriță followed with an insightful presentation on the gambling prevention programs implemented in Romanian schools, stressing the importance of early intervention.

International perspectives enriched the discussions, with: Heather Wardle from Great Britain and Pieter Remmers from the Netherlands.
Romanian Member of Parliament Mircia Giurgiu addressed the conference, outlining Romania’s goals in regulating both land-based and online gambling. Prof. PhD. Adrian Opre added another dimension by presenting on the preventative potential of socio-emotional development programs.
Another important speaker was Malcolm Bruce from Great Britain.
This pioneering conference, credited by both the Romanian College of Psychologists and the Romanian College of Physicians, marked a significant step in addressing problem gambling at both the national and international levels.
The event was organized by the Romanian Association for Responsible Gaming (RASG).