PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release 18 May 2004
eCOGRA CEO calls for software providers to join in giving greater player assurance
Senior eCOGRA personalities met with software providers yesterday in an open session
in Toronto, Canada designed to explain the regulatory requirements of the player
protection body.
Most online gambling executives are currently in the city attending the Global
Interactive Gaming Summit and Expo which ends Wednesday.
The chairman of eCOGRA, Michael Hirst OBE, independent director and respected online
gambling consultant Frank Catania, CEO Andrew Beveridge and Fair Gaming Advocate Tex
Rees met delegates and gave a presentation covering the progress made by eCOGRA,
highlighting the announcement that day that major casino operator Casino On Net had
been awarded the Seal.
C.O.N. CEO John Anderson was in the audience.
He emphasized that "eCOGRA is open to all software suppliers and their operators
that that share the vision of self-regulation enforced by independent inspection and
monitoring. It is an industry initiative which needs to be supported, if the
industry is to reach the universal credibility it so rightly seeks".
He revealed that although eCOGRA did not at present have any plans for the
sportsbook sector, it was actively working on appropriate regulations for the
booming poker sector. Covering the structure of the organisation, Beveridge
emphasised the independent nature of the Seal award process and the benefits it made
possible for players and casinos alike.
Beveridge said that the services of eCOGRA's Fair Gaming Advocate had been
successfully called upon by a number of players who had voiced their satisfaction
with the fast and efficient resolutions that had been achieved.
The advantages of undergoing a detailed inspection by highly experienced
professionals was stressed, together with future plans by eCOGRA to launch
substantial awareness and advertising initiatives on the benefits of regulated
gambling, and participation in other projects that take advantage of bringing
together significant and reputable companies were outlined by Beveridge.
eCOGRA is confident that external organisations such as regulators and financial
institutions will increasingly recognise Seal holders for their responsible efforts
and compliance with international quality requirements. The continuing education of
this aspect remains a priority.
Later in the week eCOGRA will be taking part in open discussion panels at GIGSE.
Issued by: Andrew Beveridge, CEO
Date: 18 May 2004
Website:
www.ecogra.org
Telephone: +44 20 7887 1480
Email:
pr@ecogra.org