Developed by Professor Michael Wohl of Carleton University and collaborators, Positive Play is a science-based approach measured by the validated Positive Play Scale (PPS). It shifts emphasis from traditional responsible gambling messages toward player agency and sustainable enjoyment.
The framework rests on four key pillars:
- Personal Responsibility — Players owning their decisions.
- Gambling Literacy — Understanding odds, RTP, volatility, and product risks.
- Pre-Commitment — Setting and adhering to limits on time and money.
- Honesty & Control — Truthful self-awareness and behavioural oversight.
According to the report, Positive Play places greater emphasis on player agency than more operator-directed safer gambling tools.
Survey findings show significant industry interest. Over 60% of operator respondents agreed, and 24% strongly agreed, that player education is the most important element of safer gambling. Additionally, 55% agreed and 24% strongly agreed that creating a true Positive Play environment is the most important thing an operator can do. Nearly 70% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that players who gamble safely are more profitable long-term customers.
However, the report highlights implementation challenges. Only 5% of operators strongly agreed and 24% agreed that players understand what Positive Play is, with 41% unsure and 31% disagreeing. Player apathy emerged as the leading barrier, with 67% of respondents citing lack of interest in higher-quality education. Almost one-third of operators reported that fewer than 20% of their players use available protection tools.
Cross-operator self-exclusion was rated as highly effective by 49% of respondents, making it one of the stronger tools identified, while self-assessment questionnaires ranked among the least effective.
The report notes varied definitions of Positive Play among operators, with many describing it as keeping gambling “enjoyable, controlled, and within clear personal limits.” It positions education as the primary route to achieving Positive Play, calling for more personalised, real-time approaches and better integration into the player journey.
Jurisdictions such as Spain are cited for advanced mandatory education measures that could support broader Positive Play principles. The research concludes that while progress is being made, greater collaboration between operators, regulators, and third-sector organisations will be needed to translate the framework into widespread practice.
