Addiction

As a group that captivates the world, the SEGA SAMMY Group recognizes the prevention of addiction and other related disorders as an important social responsibility in the industries, in order to ensure that customers can enjoy our pachislot machines and games with peace of mind.
We engage in industry organization initiatives in both the pachislot & pachinko and video game industries, taking appropriate actions in line with them.
We will continue to sincerely address the negative aspects of gaming and strive to create an environment where everyone can enjoy our products and services safely.

Addressing Addiction and Gaming Disorders

Addressing Gaming Disorder in the Entertainment Contents Business

At the World Health Assembly in May 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognized “gaming disorder” as a disease, defining it as a pattern of excessive online and video gaming. In Japan, the Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association (CESA), the Japan Online Game Association (JOGA), the Mobile Content Forum (MCF), and the Japan eSports Union (JeSU) jointly established a study group to conduct surveys and research relating to phenomena triggered by gaming, and to educate the public about appropriate ways to enjoy gaming. The four organizations are currently carrying out collaborative surveys and research with an outside expert study group about gaming disorder and exploring effective countermeasures for the future. The Group will continue to address these issues appropriately in cooperation with the study group.

Addiction Countermeasures in the Pachislot ＆ Pachinko Machines Industry

① Support for the Helpline Services of the Recovery Support Network
SEGA SAMMY Group began to implement initiatives against addiction following the establishment of the Society for Research on Pachinko Addiction in 2003. The Recovery Support Network (RSN), which was created in 2006 with the support of various groups within the industry, has also introduced a wide range of initiatives, including awareness-raising activities and telephone helpline services.

② Activities during Pachinko and Pachislot Addiction Awareness Week
Pachinko and Pachislot Addiction Awareness Week is held in Japan every year from May 14 to 20 with the aim of raising awareness about Pachinko and Pachislot addiction. Centered around Awareness Week, in addition to holding forums to broaden understanding of these issues, industry organizations are also engaged in Awareness Week poster campaigns and other activities. We will continue to support and contribute to the sound development of the industry through these activities.

Addiction Countermeasures in the Pachislot & Pachinko Machines Industry

2003	Establishment of the Society for Research on Pachinko Addiction
2006	Establishment of the Recovery Support Network (RSN)
2017	Release of a statement on pachinko & pachislot addiction
2018	Replacement of pachislot & pachinko machines with new models that comply with revised regulations Establishment of the Advisory Council on Addiction Countermeasures in the Pachinko and Pachislot Industry (a committee of independent experts)
2019	Formulation of Basic Guidelines for Addressing Pachinko Addiction Formulation of Basic Guidelines for the Pachinko and Pachislot Industry for Addressing Addiction
2020	National Police Agency expresses expectations for promoting measures to address addiction and urges at a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Japan Federation of Gaming Business Associations
2022	Beginning of smart pachislot installation on the market
2023	Beginning of smart pachinko installation on the market

Industry-Academia Joint Research Project on Gambling Addiction

SEGA SAMMY HOLDINGS and Kyoto University are jointly conducting a process research project* on gambling addiction. The purpose of this research, which involves the collection and analysis of data on progression in gambling behavior, is to discover advance warning signs of dangerous gambling behavior by collecting and analyzing playing data from casinos. SEGA SAMMY Group plans to use the results of this research to establish systems for the early identification of players showing signs of addiction, so that steps can be taken to prevent the escalation. We will also establish facility operations that encourage users to exercise self-control and restraint when using the facility. In this way, we aim to develop an integrated structure for gambling addiction countermeasures, from education and prevention through to treatment in collaboration with medical institutions and other organizations. Results from the joint research have shown that repeated gambling behavior results in a tendency to increase the size of wagers, regardless of whether the gambler wins or loses, and that this pattern is especially conspicuous after a win. It was also found that the percentage of people who will engage in risky gambling tends to increase after repeated wins. These results were published in the research journal “International Gambling Studies.”

* This research project will be carried out from December 2017 to March 2028 at the Kyoto University Institute for the Future of Human Society.