GAMCARE, ECOGRA AND REMOTE GAMBLING ASSOCIATION LAUNCH INTERNATIONAL RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING CODE OF CONDUCT

3 October 2007

European jurisdictions largely supportive of new problem gambling code


A new global responsible gambling code of conduct to address online gambling procedures has been launched at the industry’s EiG conference in Barcelona. The code – presented to leading European online gambling jurisdictions by senior figures from GamCare, eCOGRA and the Remote Gambling Association (RGA) is designed to act as a set of minimum standards throughout the industry and, it is hoped, increase levels of protection for players.
 
Covering Underage Gambling, Player Protection Measures, Customer Communication, Advertising and Promotions, as well as Staff Training, the code’s creation followed an informal industry roundtable initiated and hosted by Microgaming earlier this year. While many jurisdictions already provide for a comprehensive set of standards in these areas, GamCare, eCOGRA and the RGA hope the code will be adopted as the uniform minimum standards that will provide clarity for players and operators from across the globe.
 
Detailing 30 key points, the code took several months to draft and is based on the RGA’s social responsibility code. It was formally agreed by the key associations at a meeting in London in September. The timing of the launch has been set to not only coincide with one of the industry’s biggest gatherings, but also follows the launch of the UK Gambling Commission’s white list, which goes some way to protect UK players in terms of advertising.
 
Andrew Poole, Managing Director, GamCare Trade Services, said:
 
“GamCare hopes that the adoption of this code will better enable the gambling public to make informed decisions with regards to their remote gambling participation, secure in the knowledge that operators are required by condition of licence to protect the welfare and enjoyment of their customers.”
 
Andrew Beveridge, CEO, eCOGRA, added:
 
“eCOGRA certified sites have been required to comply with similar standards for the past few years and by continually verifying their compliance, we know that these standards are effective when it comes to protecting the players.”
 
Clive Hawkswood, Chief Executive, RGA, also commented:
 
“The promotion of responsible gambling and the adoption of appropriate safeguards are fundamental to the long term success of the online gambling industry. As the industry develops it will inevitably come to be regulated in more jurisdictions. In those places and others where regulation is already being developed I would commend this code to them. It is based on the best industry experience and practice and, more importantly, the expertise of GamCare."

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