Sustainable gaming: how to design games that promote healthy playing habits

As the global iGaming market continues its rapid growth — total market value is projected to reach approximately $117 billion in 2025 — now is the time not only to scale up, but to prioritize player well-being in game design. Slotegrator’s experts are convinced that the industry's progress must go hand in hand with the development of sustainable gaming ecosystems that balance entertainment with harm prevention.

This perspective is no accident — it is grounded in a thorough analysis of the global market, a review of existing projects, and in-depth research into evolving player behavior.

Let’s have a look at some facts:

• Problem gambling prevalence is rising: According to The Guardian, experts estimate that between 0.3% and 2.5% of UK adults suffer from problem gambling. At first glance, it may seem like a local issue, but similar studies conducted in various countries show comparable patterns. Exact numbers vary, but end results are closely aligned.
  
  
• Public concern is widespread: a recent survey shows 67% of the UK public believe there is too much gambling advertising, and 66% worry about its impact on children.
  
  
• Awareness tools are only effective when they’re well-designed: GambleAware’s Bet Regret campaign, which cost around £3.1–£3.3 million, achieved 60% average awareness among target groups (rising to 75% for high-risk users) and improved self-reported knowledge of warning signs and moderation strategies: 76% felt capable of reducing play if they wanted.
  
  
• Charity‑led messages reduce urges: a 2024 UK study of 2,741 online gamblers showed that traditional safer gambling ads by operators actually increased urges, while GambleAware’s versions (especially stigma‑reduction messages informed by lived experience) decreased urges, particularly among those with more severe gambling problems.
  
  

Building on these findings and the broader trend toward sustainable gaming, Slotegrator recommends developers integrate the following points into their game designs:

1. Interactive risk indicators and time & spend dashboards, using icon-based visualizations that research shows encourage more measured betting behavior.
   
   
2. Behavioral nudges and session pause features, such as prompts to take a break after long sessions, tapping‑out options before placing bets, or gentle reminders when play intensity is high.
   
   
3. Narrative-led moderation, such as embedded storytelling elements that normalize breaks, budget use, and responsible play decisions.
   
   
4. Educational overlays, like contextual pop‑up guidance about odds, warning signs, and available support tools tailored to each player.
   
   
5. Personalized dashboards showing individual data on playtime, losses, wins, streaks, etc. Over half of users accessed such dashboards and showed measurable impact on their play behavior.

Artur Movchaniuk, Business Development Manager at Slotegrator, says: “The global shift towards responsible gaming is no longer driven by compliance alone — it's being shaped by strategic investment and rising player expectations. In markets across Asia, Europe, and Latin America, we’re seeing a rapid expansion of ESG-focused programs and the adoption of player protection tools as standard practice. These regions are setting a precedent for how sustainability can be embedded into the core of iGaming operations. At Slotegrator, we see this as a turning point: game design must evolve. Players today are informed, socially aware, and loyal to brands that reflect their values. Embedding well-being into UX, mechanics, and messaging isn’t just the ethical choice — it’s the only way to build long-term trust and relevance in a highly competitive market.”