Several leading gambling operators have joined forces to make sure they deliver safer gambling to their customers. The move has come as a part of the companies’ efforts to stick to the responsible gambling commitments to tackle possible gambling-related harm that could be inflicted to their customers, and especially to younger and more vulnerable people.
Last week, the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) officially started operation to provide some support to the major gambling regulatory body in the country – the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) – and its nationwide strategy aimed at tackling the potential harm that gambling could cause on society and local communities.
Responsible play lies at the heart of a sustainable betting and gaming industry. Marking the start of @RGWeek2019, our chairman, @BrigidSimmonds, explains the BGC’s approach – https://t.co/gMGopy9Vsd
— Betting and Gaming Council (@BetGameCouncil) November 7, 2019
The newly created initiative for safer gambling comprises of 5 major commitments and 22 new actions. Some of the paramount goals of the initiative include promoting a culture of safer and responsible gambling, protecting younger gamblers, prevention of underage gambling and provision of supporting treatment for the people affected by the negative effects of gambling.
At the time when the Betting and Gaming Council was officially launched, the body’s chairperson Bridgid Simmons OBE commented on the initiative, describing it as a major step towards safer gambling environment and prevention of underage gambling. She further noted that the new body would be engaged with addressing gambling-related harm, and the operators would be able to work together to create a culture of more responsible gambling.
Safer and Responsible Gambling Policy to Be Popularised by the BGC
The members of the newly established Betting and Gambling Council are set to consolidate their efforts in order to strengthen and expand codes of practice and provide British customers with a better understanding of the possible risk that could affect them when they do not control their gambling. As explained by the BGC’s chairperson, the commitments made by the new body would be primarily engaged with raising the public and institutional trust in the British gambling industry.
The BGC has been established as a new, four-year national programme, created by two charities – GamCare and the Young Gamers and Gamblers Education Trust. The body has been created to educate young people about the possible harm that they could suffer as a result of gambling addiction and compulsive gambling habits. As Casino Guardian has previously reported, the two charities will join forces to work with young people and their families affected by gambling-related harm, as well as with young professional workforce to raise their awareness and understanding of risks associated with gambling.
Currently, some of the largest gambling and bingo operators on the territory of the UK are members of the Betting and Gaming Council, including bet365, the Rank Group PLC, GVC Holdings, Flutter Entertainment, William Hill, Playtech, Sky Betting & Gaming.
The companies are expected to implement new codes of conduct regarding direct and affiliate marketing, sponsorships, and an independent monitoring and evaluation process is set to be rolled out to make sure that maximum protection to British gamblers is provided. New checks are to be implemented as part of the companies’ efforts to eliminate underage gambling and to protect individuals under the age of 18 from getting affected by the gambling sector and the associated harm.
- Author
Olivia Cole
