Enhanced Safety in Betting for 2023: Strengthening the Integrity of Gambling Activities
Safer Gambling Week 2023, taking place from November 14 to 19 across various European cities, is the third edition of this initiative focusing on responsible gambling themes. Major gaming providers represented by the European Gambling and Betting Association (EGBA), including William Hill, 888, bet365, and the Betsson Group, are participating in the event.
During Safer Gambling Week 2023, several new insights and methods were highlighted to protect players from the negative consequences of gambling.
One significant development is the introduction of mandatory deposit limit prompts for new online gamblers in the UK, set to be implemented starting late 2025. This friction acts as a safeguard to encourage players to control their spending, with initial feedback showing it can be effective for some players while others opt out or set very high limits. User experience design plays a crucial role in how these limits are perceived and used by players.
Another key method involves the use of AI and biometrics to detect problematic gambling behaviours and enhance identity verification and security. The integration of AI and biometrics is seen as a transformative step for early intervention and monitoring, though it requires coordinated effort among operators and regulators to fully implement.
Research and education-led frameworks are also being advocated, with institutions such as the San Diego State University’s Institute on Sports Wagering and Gaming emphasizing that outright bans on gambling, especially among vulnerable groups like college athletes, are ineffective. Instead, research-based frameworks that inform safe and responsible gambling are advocated.
Improved transparency and governance are also essential in creating safer gambling environments. Reports from regulatory bodies underscore the importance of transparency, good governance, and risk management to protect consumers and meet community expectations. Publishing more sector data publicly and developing best practice guidance are part of efforts to ensure safer gambling environments.
Addressing conflicts of interest is another crucial aspect, with expert discussions stressing the need for governments to reduce the influence of vested interests from gambling industry lobbying. Limiting industry impact on policymaking and increasing transparency in lobbying efforts are seen as essential to advancing public health-based gambling regulations.
Participants in Safer Gambling Week 2023 include EGBA members, representatives of other online gambling associations, and gambling providers. Notable participants include Gamcare, the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA), the Esports and Games Research Lab (EGR), and the German Online Casino Association (DOCV).
Michael Dugher, CEO of the Betting and Gaming Council (UK), stated that Safer Gambling Week promotes tools for safe gambling and provides resources for those who need help. The event is supported by 19 European online gambling associations and organized by the European Gambling and Betting Association (EGBA), which represents a range of European gaming providers.
References:
- UK Gambling Commission
- GamblingCompliance
- San Diego State University’s Institute on Sports Wagering and Gaming
- UK Gambling Commission
- Public Health England
During Safer Gambling Week 2023, discussions between various organizations and gambling providers, such as the German Online Casino Association (DOCV), emphasized the importance of responsible gambling practices, including casino-and-gambling in Germany, within the online casino industry. AI and biometrics are being explored as a way to detect problematic gambling behaviors and improve security for players across different European cities.
