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SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING IS A COMMERCIAL NECESSITY
The Founders Column is a monthly series from iGB in collaboration with GameOn . In our second excerpt , Jo Abergel , co-founder of the Ethical Gambling Forum , explains why safer gambling needs to be much more than a “ tick-box response to regulations ”
O ver the last few years , the betting and gaming industry has undergone a significant transformation . We have seen more markets introduce gambling legislation , more products rolled out and a significant pivot towards the online space .
One of the biggest changes we have seen is the increasing focus on responsible gambling and player protection practices .
It ’ s hard to pinpoint just one reason why we are seeing this shift in attitudes from gambling companies . But it would be remiss to think that advances in technology haven ’ t played a role .
In 2024 , gambling is quite literally available at your fingertips . Betting apps are now a common feature on most smartphones . What this means is that players have the ability to bet whenever and wherever they want . More significantly , they can bet in private .
Previously , bettors would have to visit a physical shop or a land-based casino to wager . This meant you had someone on the premises monitoring whether you were betting within your limits .
On top of this , there ’ s been an explosion in gambling advertising . It is almost impossible to watch TV , listen to the radio or even watch a football match without being bombarded with adverts from igaming companies . This has led to questions being asked on the suitability of such advertising . Certain types of promotion , such as real-time commercials during half-time in football matches , have already been banned in some jurisdictions .
The pivot towards online has not only led to a substantial increase in the
iGB L ! VE 2024 • ISSUE 136 • 71