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SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
number of people who are engaging in gambling but has also made gambling much more accessible to those exhibiting problem gambling behaviours – as well as underage players and those with affordability concerns .
MORE PROGRESS MADE
As we continue to see an increase in the number of people afflicted by gambling-related harm , it is clear that much more needs to be done when it comes to player protection .
As an industry I believe we are slowly but surely starting to realise that player protection is much more than a tick-box response to regulations . The customer base and wider society demand a more values-based approach these days .
This need for more player protection measures is only going to continue growing . This is particularly relevant as environmental , social and governance ( ESG ) matters become a crucial part of businesses wanting to remain competitive . In recent years , we have seen ESG reporting directives come into effect in many jurisdictions . Board directors will soon be held personally liable if they fall short of regulatory requirements .
There has also been an increase in charities dedicated to supporting those with lived experience of gambling addiction , both in volume and profile . These charities are working incredibly hard to raise awareness of gambling harms and to reduce the stigma associated with problem gambling .
Many of these charities are also encouraging others to speak up about the impact problem gambling has had on them and their families , employers and friends . This increase in profile has highlighted the need for more responsible gaming .
The gambling industry needs to demonstrate its moral responsibility to
“ As we continue to see an increase in the number of people afflicted by gamblingrelated harm , it is clear that much more needs to be done when it comes to player protection ”
Jo Abergel , co-founder of Ethical Gambling Forum
protecting its players . We ’ ve seen many operators launching their own initiatives in this area . But I think we ’ d like to know more about the impact these initiatives are having – and concrete statistics on how they have aided player protection .
COLLABORATION IS NEEDED
It would be remiss to say that the gambling industry hasn ’ t stepped up to the challenge posed by problem gambling . It has . Collectively , operators have introduced several initiatives to flag harmful behaviour and alert players when their gambling behaviour changes . However , I believe that there needs to be more collaboration between operators and a single point
“ Over the last few years , the betting and gaming industry has undergone a significant transformation ” of contact where details of vulnerable players can be shared .
Interestingly , we are seeing this sort of collaboration around identifying suspicious transactions . But we have the opportunity to take this one step further and share information regarding at-risk and self-excluded players .
We also need to make sure that we have measures in place to protect those working within the gambling industry . Statistically , it is these workers that are most likely to be affected by problem gambling .
In my experience , the majority of safer gambling training interventions are focused on customers rather than industry colleagues .
Line managers in the industry could be offered leadership training and coaching to enable them to spot markers of harm relevant to those working in the sector . This might include difficulty staying awake during a shift or
72 • ISSUE 136 • iGB L ! VE 2024