Press Releases
UK’s Betting and Gaming Council announce new 10 pledge action plan for safer gambling during the Covid-19 crisis
The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), the new standards body for betting and gaming which covers betting shops, online betting and gaming businesses and casinos, has announced a new 10 pledge action plan agreed with its regulated member companies, which sets out the standards expected of our members during the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.
The 10 pledges build on actions and interventions that BGC members do as part of safer gambling operations, however the BGC will now require heightened monitoring, tailored responses and new action to address the unprecedented situation of social distancing and home working. Although overall gambling has fallen dramatically with the absence of sport and due to the closure of betting shop and casino closures, the BGC’s pledges will come into force immediately to help ensure that the highest safeguards are in place and action is taken to protect anyone betting online who may be more vulnerable as a result of the crisis.
The BGC supported the Gambling Commission, who last week demanded increased consumer protection and responsible marketing. The new pledges demonstrate the BGC’s determination to ensure the highest standards are implemented and cover the following areas:
1. Increase safer gambling messages across all sites and direct to all customers
2. Step up interventions if customers increase time and spend beyond normal pre-crisis patterns
3. Actively promote deposit limits
4. Action to ensure appropriate and responsible advertising including monitoring volume
5. Report all illegal, rogue advertising from black market online operators
6. One-strike-and-you’re-out policy where affiliates breach pledges
7. Signpost help to GAMCARE and the National Gambling Helpline and GamStop for self-exclusion
8. Commitment to ensuring funding for Research Education and Treatment (RET)
9. Welfare checks and well-being help for staff
10. Supporting the Government’s ‘National Effort’ with volunteers and facilities
Commenting on the 10 pledges, Michael Dugher, BGC chief executive, said:
“In this time of national crisis, with so many people self-isolating and social distancing at home, it is vital that we do everything possible to ensure safer gambling and to protect potentially vulnerable or at risk people.
“We all know that levels of gambling have plummeted not just because of betting shop or casino closures, but because of the absence of sport, which is also fundamental to online betting. Although gambling levels have dropped during the COVID crisis, our commitment to safer gambling is being stepped up. It is important that we help our customers stay safe and in control of their gambling during these difficult times. That’s why BGC members have developed a 10 pledge action plan that will help govern members throughout this crisis.
“Increasing safer gambling measures with more monitoring and customer interventions, stepping up safer gambling messages and measures like promoting deposit limits, together with a tough crackdown on affiliates and calling out rogue black-market operators, will make a big difference. We are also signposting professional help and are committed to funding Research, Education and Treatment (RET).
“The betting industry supports tens of thousands of jobs up and down the country, and we are equally determined to support the Government’s National Effort through helping with volunteers and facilities”.
Source: BGC
Latest News
Casino Guru Launches “Safer Gambling Talks” Webinar Series with Šimon Vincze
Casino Guru, the world’s premier independent online casino resource, proudly announces the launch of its new webinar series, “Safer Gambling Talks.” This innovative series aims to delve into the critical aspects of safer gambling within the industry, addressing jurisdictional nuances and universal consumer protection standards.
“Safer Gambling Talks” is dedicated to fostering a highly responsible gambling environment by engaging with experts and industry leaders. The series will explore various topics, focusing on creating a more sustainable and commercially viable gambling industry that prioritizes player protection.
In the premiere episode, Šimon Vincze, Casino Guru’s Head of Sustainable & Safer Gambling, engages in an insightful discussion with Dr. Margaret Carran, Associate Professor in Law and Associate Dean (Education) at The City Law School of City, University of London. The conversation centers on improving self-exclusion practices within the gambling industry, aiming to enhance player protection across different markets. The episode is available on Casino Guru News YouTube channel.
Šimon Vincze, a staunch advocate for responsible gambling, leads Casino Guru’s efforts in sustainable and safer gambling. He spearheads the Global Self-Exclusion Initiative, driving forward best practices in player protection and operator responsibility. Recognizing gaps in existing tools, Šimon is committed to ensuring a safer gambling environment for all.
The post Casino Guru Launches “Safer Gambling Talks” Webinar Series with Šimon Vincze appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Africa
BGaming debuts in Africa with Premier Bet
Popular iGaming content provider BGaming has signed a multi-brand content deal with African licenced operator Premier Bet, marking another major market entry.
Through this new collaboration, BGaming has delivered a selection of its games to Premier Bet’s platform. Titles such as Fruit Million, Wild Cash X9990, Bonanza Billion, Aztec Clusters and Merge Up are all available to the operator’s registered players across several African markets.
Premier Bet dates back to 1997 and currently operates in 17 countries on the continent. It is one of Africa’s biggest betting companies, offering gaming and business opportunities to people across the west, east, centre and south of the continent.
Africa has always been an epicenter for innovation and resilience, and one industry exemplifying its dynamism in recent years is gambling. This latest market expansion demonstrates BGaming’s exponential global growth and lays the foundations for further success in the thriving region.
Olga Levshina, CCO at BGaming, said: “BGaming continues to penetrate international iGaming markets, with its fresh approach to online casino proving a hit with a wide demographic of players. With this partnership, we have added some of our most appealing titles to Premier Bet’s games line-up as it seeks to expand its player base.”
Karen Hope, Director of Casino at Premier Bet, added: “We are pleased to partner with BGaming to drive this next phase of Premier Bet’s development across several key African markets. The studio’s vibrant games add variety to our casino games collection.”
BGaming is a fast-growing iGaming content provider converting gambling into gaming. Thanks to an expert team and a player-driven approach, the studio creates innovative and engaging products featured on reputable platforms and 1,100+ online casinos worldwide. BGaming is the world’s first to support cryptocurrencies and offer Provably Fair games. Today the brand’s portfolio includes 150+ products with HD graphics and a clear user interface for every device. The studio is also known for its brand exclusives created in partnerships with leading operators in the industry.
The post BGaming debuts in Africa with Premier Bet appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Compliance Updates
Playnetic strengthens European presence with licence to operate in Sweden
Playnetic, the new immersive B2B iGaming provider has announced that it has been granted a Swedish licence, following regulatory approval from the Swedish Gambling Authority, Spelinspektionen.
The licence allows Playnetic to launch its catalogue of innovative iGaming titles in Sweden, enabling the company to finalise partnerships with prominent operators across the country.
This significant milestone marks a major step forward in supporting Playnetic’s ambitious growth plans, which include increasing its foothold in other European markets, as well as continued expansion in regulated markets across the globe.
Dan Phillips, Playnetic CEO said: “Since launching in early 2023, Playnetic has been exploring expansion opportunities in Europe to penetrate new markets and we are thrilled with achieving this milestone.
“Thanks to our experienced compliance team, we were able to obtain this licence promptly, which is a huge positive as the market entry lines up perfectly with our regulatory roadmap for 2024. We are looking forward to launching our innovative suite of games which feature captivating themes and mechanics to players and operators in Sweden.”
The post Playnetic strengthens European presence with licence to operate in Sweden appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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