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Tag: responsible gambling

  • UK Announces £30M Fund to Strengthen Gambling Harm Prevention Efforts

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    The UK government has taken a decisive step toward addressing gambling harm, announcing a new GBP 30 million ($39.71 million) fund for voluntary and community groups. The initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Health and Social Care, marks the first phase of a two-year program that aims to bridge the gap between the existing funding framework and the upcoming statutory levy system.

    The Measure Seeks to Address Short-Term Deficiencies

    According to a recent Next.io report, officials outlined the plan during an information session on October 26, announcing that the expression of interest period is now open and will run until January 9. Applications will be accepted from January 12, with grant decisions expected in early spring. The first installments should be available starting in April.

    The fund will have three components. The first focuses on direct prevention work, primarily programs that reach out to people and communities before harm escalates. Another portion of the funds will go toward innovation, experimenting with new approaches, or adapting successful models from other sectors. The third will help bolster organizations with staffing, training, and systems, allowing them to scale up. Groups can apply for amounts ranging from GBP 5,000 ($6,600) to GBP 2 million ($2.65 million).

    The announcement seeks to address growing concerns in the sector. Numerous non-profit organizations have warned of rising financial distress as they await clarity on when the statutory levy money will begin flowing. Distribution also remains a contentious topic. Some charities claim that the competition for limited funds has led to friction and accusations within the field.

    New Tax Increases Could Lead to a Spike in Harm

    According to government officials, applicants must commit to achieving an “industry-free funding status” by 2030. Although the expectation has raised questions for organizations that still depend on industry donations to survive, officials noted they would adopt a pragmatic view for the next two years. Funds from the National Lottery will not count as industry money during this period, though that position may be reevaluated.

    Starting in April 2026, however, the rules will become stricter. Any organization that receives money from the fund must not accept contributions from gambling operators. The Government Grants Management Service will help facilitate the transition with the Find a Grant portal, introducing a new digital system to streamline monitoring and reporting after 2026.

    This development coincides with significant upheaval in the gambling sector due to the recently unveiled gambling tax rise from 21% to 40%. Experts are concerned that this tax increase may push more players to unlicensed sites, increasing the risk of harm and putting even more pressure on the already hard-pressed organizations. The new fund will thus be invaluable in bolstering the country’s harm prevention infrastructure before the statutory levy takes full effect.

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    Deyan Dimitrov

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  • Gamstop Chair Chris Pond Vows to Tackle Harm, Joins CFIT

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    Earlier this year, Gamstop named former work and pensions minister Chris Pond as its new chair. In addition to just becoming the chair of the Centre for Finance, Innovation and Technology (CFIT), Pond has vowed to tackle Britain’s gambling harm problems.

    Pond Vows to Tackle Harm and Encourage Industry Collaboration

    Pond, who stepped into the position earlier this month, succeeded Jenny Watson, marking a new era for Gamstop. In this position, he will be tasked with leveraging the group’s position to drive meaningful change across the UK gaming sector.

    Gamstop, which is Britain’s national self-exclusion scheme for online gambling, has continued to provide crucial opportunities for local players to get their gambling habits under control. Because of that, Pond will have the responsible task of ensuring that these services remain uninterrupted and that more players experiencing gambling problems are encouraged to seek help.

    Pond, for context, boasts significant experience across the public, private and non-profit sectors. In addition to his appointment as chair of Gamstop and, more recently, the CFIT, he is also chairing the boards of the Money and Mental Health Advisory Board and the Financial Services Consumer Panel at the Financial Conduct Authority.

    As chair of Gamstop, Pond has highlighted the importance of increasing the visibility of self-exclusion tools, especially among vulnerable players and minority groups. In addition to that, he has highlighted the importance of creating a network of partnerships with regulatory bodies, treatment providers, gambling industry stakeholders, and the broader financial sector.

    Pond argued that collaboration will reinforce Great Britain’s capabilities to identify and tackle harm.

    Pond Joins Centre for Finance, Innovation and Technology as Chair

    As mentioned, Pond was just named as chair of the CFIT, replacing the outgoing Charlotte Crosswell. CFIT, for context, was created to tackle issues created by the rapid growth of financial technology.

    As chair of the CFIT, Pond will be responsible for reducing fraud within the financial sector and championing the adoption of beneficial tech solutions.

    In addition to Pond, the CFIT made a few extra appointments, naming two new board members, including Nausicaa Delfas, CEO of The Pensions Regulator. Vivienne Artz, CEO of the FTSE Women Leaders Review, on the other hand, was named non-executive director.

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    Fiona Simmons

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  • Brazil Gambling in Healthy State Ahead of Regulated Market Launch

    Brazil Gambling in Healthy State Ahead of Regulated Market Launch

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    A new study, prepared by LCA Consultoria Econômica and commissioned by the Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming, shines new light on how gambling affects Brazilian households. According to the report, while Brazil’s sports betting sector records stable growth, its impact on family financial health remains relatively small. New government initiatives should help further reduce gambling harm, ushering in a safe and sustainable market.

    Average Spending on Gambling Remains Quite Low

    The study aimed to provide a clear understanding of how the betting market functions within Brazil while highlighting the need for robust regulatory safeguards to protect consumers. Data revealed that, on average, gambling represents between 0.2% and 0.5% of total household consumption. Regarding the broader economy, gambling expenditures account for only 0.1% to 0.3% of Brazil’s GDP.

    Compared to other forms of entertainment, the spending on gambling pales in significance. According to this study, Brazilian families usually spend from 7.3% to 15.7% of their family income on entertainment in general, underscoring that gambling represents only a fraction of that amount. The study also didn’t discover a correlation between betting expenditure and household debt.

    There is no evidence that there was a significant change in household debt due to participation in games and betting.

    LCA Consultoria Econômica study

    The study’s findings support Brazil’s growing focus on promoting safe and responsible gambling, even as the country moves closer to the official launch of a regulated sports betting market. However, the nation still struggles to contain black market operators that may offer risky products, leading to excessive gambling. The government has taken measures to limit access to such services, channeling users towards regulated offerings.

    Brazil Has Made Efforts to Combat Problem Gambling

    Amid concerns over gambling-related harm, Brazilian lawmakers are taking steps to protect vulnerable groups.  Two recent legislative proposals aim to address potential risks associated with the sector. PL 3,718/2024 will ban gambling among middle and low-income senior citizens dependent on social welfare. The bill also recommends spending limits based on a player’s declared income, with restrictions on excessive betting.

    Meanwhile, PL 3,745/2024 will set a ceiling for all bettors, preventing them from spending more than 15% of their monthly income on wagers. The bill establishes a general spending limit for all bettors and does not target specific risk groups. Although the recent study shows a relatively low average expenditure on gambling, such measures are necessary to prevent vulnerable individuals from overspending.

    Brazil’s regulated betting market will officially launch on 1 January 2025. All operators who hadn’t applied for a license had to cease their operations as of 1 October 2024. The gradual implementation of these regulations is part of a broader effort to create a safe and responsible gaming environment while balancing the potential economic benefits of the expanding market.

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    Deyan Dimitrov

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  • GAMSTOP and Its Soccer Partners Launch #TakeBackControl2024 Campaign

    GAMSTOP and Its Soccer Partners Launch #TakeBackControl2024 Campaign

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    GAMSTOP, a self-exclusion scheme that helps players in the UK control their online gambling, has joined forces with its soccer partners to launch a new awareness campaign.

    GAMSTOP’s campaign, titled #TakeBackControl2024, seeks to promote the self-exclusion tools available to players in the United Kingdom. The initiative hopes to teach more soccer fans about the benefits of self-exclusion.

    The launch of Take Back Control comes amid the rapid expansion of Britain’s online gaming and betting sectors and responds to an increasing demand for safer gambling tools.

    GAMSTOP, which helps people moderate their gaming by excluding themselves from all licensed gambling websites in the country for free, has so far helped more than half a million Brits put an end to their gambling struggles. Currently, there are over 440,000 people who remain excluded from gambling via the GAMSTOP platform.

    GAMSTOP and Its Partners Help Brits Take Back Control

    Take Back Control will see GAMSTOP work together with major soccer clubs to “put self-exclusion in the spotlight” throughout the week.

    This week, our football partners are working with us to put a spotlight on self-exclusion and its benefits. If you’re struggling with online gambling, GAMSTOP can help you take back control.

    GAMSTOP statement

    The company urged players who are concerned about their gambling to visit its official website. In addition to excluding themselves from gambling, visitors of GAMSTOP’s website can also access a variety of materials, including blogs by people with lived experience of gambling addiction.

    Multiple clubs, including Walsall FC, Bradford City FC, The New Saints FC, Bolton Wanderers and Crewe Alexandra expressed pride about the opportunity to support the initiative and help British players learn more about the safer gambling tools available to them.

    GAMSTOP Reported an Increase in Young Registrants

    In other news, GAMSTOP recently reported a rise in the number of self-excluded people, including a concerning increase in young adults seeking its services.

    CEO Fiona Palmer was somewhat optimistic about the increasing number of registrants, saying that it attests to British consumers’ growing awareness of the safer gambling tools at their disposal. However, she couldn’t help but feel concerned about the increase in the number of younger players making GAMSTOP accounts.

    For context, GAMSTOP recorded an increase of 12% in self-exclusions among players aged 16-24. Palmer suggested that problem gambling education and treatment should focus on targeted interventions to help young people experiencing gambling harm.

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    Angel Hristov

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  • BGC Looks Forward to Improving Gambling Standards with the New Government

    BGC Looks Forward to Improving Gambling Standards with the New Government

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    Britain’s Betting and Gaming Council has welcomed the new government, expressing its commitment to working with Keir Starmer’s Labour to “deliver a world-class betting and gaming industry.”

    The Labour Party defeated the conservatives at Rishi Sunak’s snap election on July 4, potentially marking a new era for gambling standards. Prior to the elections, Starmer’s party vowed to work with the industry and improve the safer gambling standards alongside the BGC.

    This change comes amid some of the biggest regulatory reforms in the history of British gaming, following the publication of the white paper in 2023. While the reformation process was mired by political instability and delayed on multiple occasions, industry stakeholders are optimistic that the new government would deliver on many of the changes outlined in the white paper.

    As for the BGC, the industry body says that it remains committed to delivering the “evidence-based, proportionate proposals” contained in the paper.

    BGC Has Long Seen Labour as a “Government in Waiting”

    Michael Dugher, chair of the BGC, commented on the matter. On behalf of the council, its members, the 110,000 people whose jobs rely on the gaming and betting sector and the millions of players, he welcomed Labour’s victory and its commitment to working with the industry.

    Dugher highlighted the high standards underpinning British gaming and vowed to make further investments in “virtually every constituency.” He added that the political certainty heralded by Labour’s victory comes at a crucial time for the industry and would help it to bolster its sustainability.

    The BGC chair admitted that the council has long treated the Labour Party as “a government in waiting” and, because of that, has been working closely with shadow ministers in recent years.

    Our work to drive up standards and champion a world-leading British industry carries on and we look forward to partnering with Labour – as they have pledged – in this vitally important work.

    Michael Dugher, chair, BGC

    The BGC mentioned that the UK gaming industry supports 110,000 jobs, generates £4.2 billion in tax and contributes £7.1 billion to the economy. The council added that its members also provide crucial funding to sports clubs and leagues across the country, as well as to the horseracing sector.

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    Angel Hristov

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  • Dutch Politicians Urge Weerwind to Introduce Universal Loss Limit

    Dutch Politicians Urge Weerwind to Introduce Universal Loss Limit

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    The Netherlands’ Minister for Legal Protection, Franc Weerwind, has been urged to back a universal loss limit to the country’s Remote Gambling Act (KOA). Backed by the ChristianUnie (CU) Party, the measure seeks to make up for the deficiencies of the current safer gambling rules.

    The proposal would introduce a universal loss limit across the 27 online gambling licensees in the Netherlands. This measure, according to the CU, is needed because the current rules have failed to prevent excessive online gambling.

    The universal loss limit will apply across all operators in the country, preventing players from going to play with another operator once they hit the limit.

    Mirjam Bikker, leader of the CU, emphasized that the measure has already secured majority support from many parties in the country, including the Christian Democratic Appeal, Conservative Reform Party, Dutch Socialist Party and Green Alliance.

    The proposal was submitted to Weerwind who is currently responsible for the ongoing reform of the KOA.

    Weerwind Says Such a Measure Would Be Difficult to Implement

    Weerwind recently addressed the matter, confirming that he has received the CU’s request. However, the Minister for Legal Protection said that he doesn’t plan to advance the proposal to ministers.

    According to Weerwind, a universal limit will be both time-consuming and too complicated to properly implement. Weerwind added that he believes lawmakers should instead concentrate on already existing proposals as the vote looms.

    For reference, the minister previously proposed compulsory financial risk checks on player accounts that spend more than €350 a month. Approved by the Ministry of Justice, his proposals also include a €150 non-universal loss limit for customers under the age of 24.

    However, the CU pointed out that, since there are 27 legal operators in the Netherlands, young people can still go to another operator once they hit the monthly €150 limit. As a result, they can still spend all their money on gambling.

    Representatives of the CU and CDA critiqued Weerwind’s reluctance to tackle gambling addiction head-on and introduce the necessary measures to protect Dutch consumers. The latter party previously argued that the KOA has failed to protect local players from harm and must therefore be abolished.

    In the meantime, the Netherlands continues its efforts to protect the safety of local gamblers. To that end, the country recently banned untargeted gambling advertisements, hoping to mitigate some of the damage.

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    Fiona Simmons

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  • Gambling with Lives Wants the UKGC to Stop Reckless Gambling Firms

    Gambling with Lives Wants the UKGC to Stop Reckless Gambling Firms

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    A month ago, Gamesys, a leading international online gaming operator, was fined in the United Kingdom over AML and social responsibility violations. Now, Gambling with Lives, a charity set up by families bereaved by gambling, seeks to convince the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) to revoke the licenses of companies that commit serious violations.

    Gambling with Lives launched a petition, asking the UKGC to be less benevolent to operators that violate its rules. Dubbed “Stop reckless gambling firms,” the petition urges stricter enforcement of the UK’s social responsibility rules since fines are easily paid by huge gambling companies.

    Gambling with Lives argues that unregulated gambling can sometimes lead to suicides. As a result, fines that multibillion companies can easily pay are not a proportional punishment, the organization said. Citing recent statistics, the charity pointed out that a whopping 496 people in Britain take their lives because of gambling addiction every year.

    Big Companies Will Never Change Unless Forced to

    According to Gambling with Lives, big gambling operators earn billions of pounds a year, meaning that even fines in the realm of millions are easily payable. The charity said that, for many of these companies, fines are nothing more than a cost of business.

    Because of this, multi-billion-pound gambling companies do not feel the need to change, the charity pointed out. Gambling with Lives cited Gamesys’ recent fine as an example, noting that the operator had promoted new games and promotions to a customer who had just lost £10,000.

    These violations earned Gamesys a £6 million fine. However, its parent company, Bally’s, earns almost £2 billion a year.

    Because of that, Gambling with Lives believes that operators should risk something more than a slap on the wrist.

    The big gambling firms will never change their ways unless forced to. If they knew they could be shut down, they would be forced to behave better.

    Gambling with Lives statement

    Now, Gambling with Lives is seeking public support as it hopes to convince the UKGC to revoke the licenses of serious violators and help prevent gambling-related deaths in Britain.

    The petition was launched yesterday and already has 1,117 of its target 2,000 signatures.

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    Angel Hristov

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  • EPIC Risk Management Rebrands as EPIC Global Solutions

    EPIC Risk Management Rebrands as EPIC Global Solutions

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    EPIC Risk Management, the world’s leading independent gambling harm minimization consultancy, announced that it has officially rebranded itself as EPIC Global Solutions. The new name seeks to better reflect the company’s global nature and ambition to tackle gambling harm at an international level.

    To celebrate its new identity, EPIC Global Solutions has unveiled a new logo that features its new name. The company will also back up its new visual identity with intensified expansion efforts in the Americas.

    The New Identity Is a Significant Milestone for EPIC

    Representatives expressed their thoughts on the matter, saying that the rebranding seeks to better communicate EPIC’s desire to crack down on gambling harm at a larger scale. Paul Buck, the company’s founder and chief executive officer expressed his excitement, saying that he believes the new identity better reflects his team’s values, mission and scope.

    He called the new identity a “significant milestone,” saying that it celebrates the firm’s tenth anniversary.

    This rebranding effort represents a significant milestone for our company, ten years since our inception, and we look forward to continuing to serve our partners with the same level of excellence they have come to expect from us across a decade of providing gambling harm prevention.

    Paul Buck, founder & CEO, EPIC Global Solutions

    “A Book with an Amazing Story But the Cover Didn’t Do It Justice”

    The company’s director of marketing, Michael Clarkson, also commented on the matter, saying that the refreshed EPIC will continue to follow its philosophy to put lived experiences at the heart of everything it does.

    The company’s new image has been crafted to better represent its position as a global leader in providing solutions to the long-standing issue of gambling-related harm, emphasizing making the organization’s proposition more effortless to understand for US audiences – a location of significant ongoing growth for EPIC.

    Michael Clarkson, director of marketing, EPIC Global Solutions

    Clarkson added that EPIC really cares about the people and will continue to provide “highly emotional, warm and powerful” service to its customers. He compared the EPIC of yesterday to a book “with an amazing story,” the cover of which “didn’t do it justice.”

    However, Clarkson also said that the transformation to EPIC Global Solutions is something that his team is really proud of and a move that sets the company up for another “amazing decade.”

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    Angel Hristov

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  • Time2play.com and Gamban Join Forces to Reduce Gambling Harm

    Time2play.com and Gamban Join Forces to Reduce Gambling Harm

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    Time2play to join the battle against gambling addiction by covering the cost of Gamban subscriptions for their website users.

    Press Release
    –

    Mar 8, 2022


    United States, March 8, 2022 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Time2play.com is a casino comparison site that genuinely prioritizes responsible gambling. Despite massive growth in the last 12 months, Time2play has kept its promise to put the player first. In a bid to set the standard for other iGaming companies, Time2play has now established a partnership with Gamban to support problem gamblers.

    Gamban is an application that blocks all online gambling websites when installed on your device. Users are protected from thousands of gambling sites, apps, and services from the second the app is installed. Gamban will not deactivate your service until your subscription has ended, and it cannot be removed manually from your device during the same period. 

    This means that, even in the most difficult of times, Gamban keeps its subscribers protected. A Gamban subscription costs $35 per year, but the new initiative will see Time2play provide completely free Gamban subscriptions to those that have signed up using their website. Time2play will pay for the subscription for every user that needs it. There are alternatives, but Time2play considers Gamban one of the most effective responsible gambling tools on the market.

    Time2play’s Co-Founder, Tim Tepass, said:  “We wanted to do more to help any of our players that may be struggling with gambling addiction. Gamban was the obvious choice for us because of its reliable technology. Other tools are easily bypassed and don’t offer the same level of protection.”

    Although a focus on reducing problem gambling isn’t something new for Time2play, it’s something that the business plans to push even further in 2022. This is in line with the growth of the US casino market and Time2play launching in other geographical locations.

    “We can’t say that we are ‘for the user’ without considering the implications of our product on problem gamblers. While most of our visitors are casual players looking for information on a casino, some could be at higher risk of gambling addiction. We want to do everything we can to support those people, and this collaboration is just the beginning of our efforts,” said Tim. 

    Despite the industry’s stigma, Time2play is proof that online casino affiliates and responsible gambling can co-exist harmoniously. By collaborating, both can ensure that players have easy access to the available tools before they even begin gambling. 

    “It’s vital that players understand that there is support available if things get out of control. Affiliates are positioned to make people aware of these resources early on. Through better visibility and accessibility of these resources, Time2play can raise standards for affiliates in reducing gambling harm,” said Gamban’s Co-Founder, Jack Symons.

    To claim a Gamban subscription, send an email to gamblinghelp@time2play.com with the same email address you used to sign up with a gambling operator through Time2play. You will then receive a link to sign up with 100% of the costs covered.

    Source: Time2play

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  • NY Senator Addabbo calls for further responsible gambling efforts as state explores iGaming expansion | Yogonet International

    NY Senator Addabbo calls for further responsible gambling efforts as state explores iGaming expansion | Yogonet International

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    New York State Senator Joseph Addabbo, Jr. is calling for further promotion of responsible gambling amid Problem Gambling Awareness Month, and as the Empire State celebrates the results of a massively successful first year of legal mobile sports betting. “When the legislature works towards safely expanding and regulating gaming in New York, we must make sure that we protect residents from the dangers of excessive gambling,” Addabbo said.

    His remarks come as New York celebrates the early success of the legal sports betting market, which enjoyed a record-setting first year in 2022, collecting more than $1 billion in gross revenue and over $700 million in tax revenue, with a majority of funds earmarked towards education. While Addabbo celebrated these achievements, he also said lawmakers and the industry need to continue looking “at how we can help those with a gambling problem.”

    “Mobile sports betting has been a great new revenue source for the state and New York quickly became one of the most popular products in the country. Now that we have legalized and regulated mobile sports betting in our state, we are able to identify the people that may have or be in the process of developing a gaming problem,” Addabbo, who is Chair of the New York State Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee, stated.

    “Through the safeguards on the apps, like freezing accounts, reporting and the self-exclusion option our hope is to reach these people before they become addicted and prevent them from the pitfalls of gaming addiction,” he added, noting he worked with problem gaming entities like the New York Council on Problem Gambling (NYCPG) and the NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) to ensure safeguards were implemented ahead of launch.

    But while protections have been implemented in available mobile sports betting apps, as well as $6 million dollars in new funding for problem gaming education and treatment each year, the senator said that any expansion of gaming “cannot move forward without also bolstering gambling addiction prevention and treatment resources.” This pledge comes at a time at which the legislature looks at expanding gaming in New York with online casino options.

    “Aside from creating billions of dollars in revenue and educational funding for the state along with thousands of local jobs, the priority of identifying those individuals preferably before they have a gambling addiction and providing them with credible successful programs must be at the forefront of what we do legislatively with regards to gaming in New York,” Addabbo added.

    The senator isn’t the only voice that has called for further problem gambling prevention efforts as of late. For Problem Gambling Awareness Month, NY’s Responsible Play Partnership (RPP) – consisting of the New York State Gaming Commission, the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports, and the New York Council on Problem Gambling – is holding multiple events to drive attention to the issue.

    But NY stakeholders are also seeking to ramp up their efforts to tackle problem gambling in the Empire State through new rules. The NY Gaming Commission has recently introduced stricter regulations to limit sports betting ads targeting underage individuals; and for their part, state lawmakers are concurrently considering two responsible gaming bills: S1550 and A1056.

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