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The Irish Banking Culture Board (IBCB), together with its member banks AIB, Bank of Ireland and PTSB, launched the Common Commitment of Care for Problem Gambling. The initiative aims to provide consistent and compassionate support to customers affected by problem gambling, reinforcing the banking sector’s role in tackling this important social issue.

The launch event, held at the Dublin Chamber of Commerce, was attended by Minister of State Robert Troy T.D., Department of Finance, alongside representatives from the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland, Gambling Care, and senior leaders from IBCB member banks. The new framework commits banks to practical measures such as dedicated support phone lines, trained staff, voluntary card blocking and signposting to trusted external services like Gambling Care and MABS.

Research shows that 90% of gambling transactions take place online and 99% of all those transactions are funded by debit cards. Voluntary card blocking is therefore a pivotal instrument in stopping the harm and helping customers to take back control of their finances and wellbeing.

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Marion Kelly, CEO of the Irish Banking Culture Board, said: “Problem gambling can cause serious harm to individuals, families and communities. IBCB member banks recognise their responsibility to respond with compassion and practical support when customers reach out for help. This Common Commitment of Care ensures that anyone experiencing gambling difficulties will find clear, accessible supports to assistance through their bank. The introduction of a voluntary card block by AIB, Bank of Ireland and PTSB will make an important contribution to those experiencing problem gambling and IBCB calls on other financial services players to put in similar measures”

Minister of State Robert Troy said: “I commend the Irish Banking Culture Board and its member banks for taking this important step to address the issue of problem gambling. By working together to provide meaningful supports, the banking sector is contributing positively to consumer protection. This Common Commitment of Care is a valuable addition to the broader efforts being made across government and society to tackle gambling-related harms. The Government has committed to tackling problem gambling, through the Gambling Regulation Act and the establishment of the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland, and sectoral cooperation remains key to achieving our aims.”

The IBCB’s Common Commitment of Care builds on its wider mission to enhance trust, fairness and transparency in Irish banking. By standardising the way banks support vulnerable customers, the initiative ensures consistency and reliability, while also directing people towards specialist services such as Gambling Care’s 24/7 helpline and MABS’s free debt and budgeting advice.

The launch reflects a strong commitment by AIB, Bank of Ireland PTSB to support customers impacted by gambling addiction. With collaboration between industry, regulators, government and support organisations, the IBCB and its member banks hope to create lasting, positive change in how problem gambling is addressed in Ireland.

The post IBCB Launches Common Commitment of Care on Problem Gambling appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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BOS – the Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling – comments on the inquiry into the so-called scope of application of the Gambling Act that was submitted to the Ministry of Finance today. The inquiry proposes that passive acceptance of Swedish gambling consumers shall be illegal for gambling companies that do not hold a Swedish gambling license. Gambling companies without a Swedish gambling license must therefore take active measures to exclude Swedish gambling consumers.

BOS welcomes the proposal and has been working towards such a change in the law ever since the reregulation of the Swedish gambling market in 2019.

“This is an important contribution to the possibility of strengthening the Swedish gambling license market, which is now proposed to criminalize almost all unlicensed gambling in Sweden. I foresee the government shortly submitting a bill to the Riksdag in accordance with the investigation’s proposal. Good job Mr. Investigator and with the hope of equally good job from the government and the Riksdag to now proceed with legislation on the matter. Unlicensed gambling in Sweden must be smoked out,” says BOS Secretary General Gustaf Hoffstedt.

The post BOS welcomes proposal to expand criminalization of unlicensed gambling companies appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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The organisers of Regulating the Game have announced the launch of Industry Spotlight Sessions as part of the event’s 2026 programme. The conference will take place from March 9–11, 2026 at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth.

New for 2026, the Industry Spotlight Sessions are concise, 15-minute presentations embedded within the main conference programme, giving leading manufacturers, suppliers and technology providers across gaming, lotteries, wagering and sports betting a platform to share strategic insights, innovation and sector direction.

The sessions will provide a powerful platform for established players to:

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• Highlight new products, enhancements or technical capabilities

• Share research, data insights or strategic outlooks

• Spotlight innovations that are shaping operational performance and player engagement

• Provide a forward view on emerging trends and technologies influencing the sector

Distinct from Pitch! at the Sydney Opera House (March 9) – which has evolved into a high-energy marketplace of ideas spotlighting emerging RegTech, compliance innovation, disruptive policy concepts and safer gambling solutions – the Industry Spotlight Sessions are tailored for established players to profile market-ready innovations, demonstrate commercial leadership and share product direction.

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Paul Newson, principal at Vanguard Overwatch and founder of Regulating the Game, said: “The Industry Spotlight Sessions are being introduced at the request of industry attendees who wanted a dedicated platform to showcase pioneering products, strategies, and sector direction and insights. With only four Industry Spotlight slots available in 2026, this is a limited opportunity for organisations to put themselves front and centre before an international audience of regulators, policy leaders, and industry decision-makers.”

The addition of Industry Spotlights reflects RTG’s commitment to sparking innovation and shaping the future of the sector. By providing a platform for announcing new directions, showcasing developments and sharing strategic outlooks, these sessions are designed to broaden dialogue, foster cross-sector collaboration and keep the conference at the cutting edge of regulatory and industry evolution.

Regulating the Game 2026 will also feature:

• Pitch! at the Sydney Opera House (March 9)

• The inaugural RTG Global Awards & Gala Dinner (March 10)

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• An expanded exhibition showcase and programme of expert masterclasses.

Early bird tickets are now open, with discounted rates for early registrants. Group packages are also available but strictly limited.

The post Industry Spotlight Sessions Announced for Regulating the Game 2026 Sydney appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.