Compliance Updates

Trust issues: only a third of the public thinks gambling industry is fair

Published

7 years ago

March 1, 2018

Trust issues: only a third of the public thinks gambling industry is fair

Reading Time: 2 minutes

The reputation of gambling among the public is failing to improve, according to a report published by the Gambling Commission on Tuesday.

Those gambling operators with a reputation for treating their customers fairly and well will have a competitive advantage, the regulator added.

The commission’s gambling participation report for 2017 found that 33 per cent of those surveyed believed gambling is fair and can be trusted, down one percentage point on 2016 and from 48.8 per cent in 2008.

“As previously reported, these findings could be related to gamblers’ concerns about the fairness of terms and conditions and the odds offered by gambling companies,” said the report.

The survey also found that 41 per cent of people thought gambling was associated with crime, up two percentage points on 2016.

Gambling Commission programme director Ben Haden said: “Our research shows the main factor that influences where someone gambles is a company with a reputation for being fair and trustworthy.

“The message from that is clear – gambling companies that treat their customers well and act responsibly will be at an increasingly competitive advantage.“

The data, which was gathered through a combination of telephone and online surveys carried out by market research company Populus, found that 45 per cent of people had gambled in the previous four weeks – down three percentage points – a figure that dropped to 31 per cent after stripping out those just playing the National Lottery.

The most popular betting activity in 2017 was football, with five per cent of respondents, followed by horseracing at four per cent.

However, horseracing and spread betting were the only activities to display a fall in online gambling participation.

Only one per cent of those surveyed had played on fixed odds betting terminals and, in a finding that will be seized upon by betting shop operators as the government mulls over the responses to its consultation on FOBT stakes, the report noted that FOBT players were much more likely to gamble for fun (61 per cent) than to try to win money (39 per cent).

The report also quoted figures published last year which stated 0.8 per cent of the population were problem gamblers, with a further 3.9 per cent identified as being at risk.

It added that the commission’s regular telephone survey reported the problem gambling rate to be 0.6 per cent, but said that due to its small base size it “should not be considered the commission’s comprehensive estimate of at-risk gambling rates in Great Britain”.

Source: RacingPost

Compliance Updates

IAGR confirms new Board members

Published

3 days ago

November 14, 2024

George Miller

Reading Time: < 1 minute

The International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR) has announced the appointment of four new trustees to its Board, each bringing unique expertise and leadership to strengthen IAGR’s global regulatory efforts:

Anders Dorph, Danish Gambling Authority (Europe)
Peter Kesitilwe Emolemo, Gambling Authority of Botswana (Africa)
Kevin Mullally, General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (Asia/Oceania)
Louis Rogacki, New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (North America)

IAGR President Ben Haden said, ‘I’m delighted to welcome our four new trustees to the IAGR Board. Their diverse expertise and leadership across different jurisdictions will bring fresh perspectives to our work, further strengthening our global approach to gaming regulation.

‘I look forward to collaborating with Peter, Louis, Kevin and Anders as we continue to foster innovation and drive forward effective, responsible regulation for the benefit of the global gaming community.

‘We also extend a big thank you to Trude Høgseth Felde and Mabutho Zwane for their dedicated service as they complete their terms on the Board, and I’m pleased to announce that Jason Lane will continue for another term as a Trustee.’

As a leading forum for gaming regulators worldwide, IAGR enables members to meet, share information, discuss legislative developments, exchange views and learn best practices in gaming regulation.

In recent news, IAGR has also confirmed that its 2025 annual conference will be held in Toronto, Canada, from 20 to 23 October 2025, with registrations opening in early 2025.

Compliance Updates

MGA Issues First ESG Code Approval Seals to Licensees

Published

6 days ago

November 11, 2024

Niji Narayan

Reading Time: < 1 minute

The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has awarded its first-ever ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) Code Approval Seals to licensees in the online gaming sector, marking a milestone in the Authority’s commitment to promoting responsible and sustainable industry practices.

This initiative follows the launch of the voluntary ESG Code of Good Practice last year, which invited licensees to submit their ESG disclosure returns. The Code, which covers 19 topics categorised under Environmental, Social and Governance pillars, offers a strategic roadmap for online gaming companies to streamline their reporting efforts.

Following the first annual reporting cycle, 14 gaming operators have been awarded the ESG Code Approval Seal. The Code supports two levels of reporting: Tier 1, which establishes foundational ESG standards, and Tier 2, which represents a more aspirational approach.

Seals are valid for one year, with flexibility for renewal in the subsequent reporting period, allowing operators to advance or adapt their reporting tier year by year.

“We believe this initiative will significantly enhance the industry’s reputation and sustainability credentials,” MGA CEO Charles Mizzi said.

“By integrating ESG considerations into their operations, gaming companies not only contribute to the wellbeing of society and the environment but also strengthen the trust and confidence that consumers, investors, and regulators have in the industry. This initiative sends a clear message: sustainability, in the broadest sense of the word, is integral to the future of the gaming sector.”

Compliance Updates

Turkish Football Federation to Penalise Clubs Promoting Illegal Betting

Published

6 days ago

November 11, 2024

Niji Narayan

Reading Time: < 1 minute

The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has introduced new regulations to crack down on illegal betting advertisements in professional football.

According to the TFF, clubs found violating the new rules will face fines and, in case of repeated offenses, the deduction of points.

Under the updated guidelines, any club in the Turkish Super League involved in unauthorised betting promotions will face a tiered penalty system.

The first violation will result in a fine of 2 million Turkish Liras (around $58,000), and the second offense will incur a 5 million lira fine and a third violation will see the fine increased to 10 million liras. For subsequent breaches, clubs will be fined 10 million liras for each offense, along with a three-point deduction from their league standings.

“It is forbidden to promote or advertise betting organizations not licensed by competent authorities. This includes any media, billboards and other equipment used within stadium,” the TFF stated.

The TFF emphasised that the ban also applies to entities affiliated with these betting organisations, including those involved in promoting and advertising activities in a way that suggests endorsement of illegal betting.

The global scale of the illegal betting market is staggering, with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime estimating its worth at $1.8 trillion. In Türkiye alone, the sector is projected to exceed 100 billion liras, according to the Financial Crimes Investigation Board.