Safer Gambling Standard consultation for UK gamblers

[hilarylush]

Hi everyone

I work for a UK charity that provides support to those affected by problem gambling (GamCare: www.gamcare.org.uk). We also work with the gambling industry to improve their approach to player protection and one way we do this is through a Safer Gambling Standard accreditation scheme for gambling businesses. We're currently doing a short consultation with members of the public about the Standard. If you have 5 minutes and are UK based, we'd really like to hear your thoughts. You can access the consultation here: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/9XQ6R6R 

If you have any questions about the Standard or what GamCare does, feel free to post here or email us at safergamblingstandard.org.uk. 

Thanks for your help!

Hilary
 

[Fiekie247]

@cocopop3011@pinnit2015

[pinnit2015]

Yeah...I have my own views on a lot of this. One of which is ‘The UKGC has banned bonus buys as being irresponsible, yet still allows games to spin at 100 quid normal stakes and above’ - discuss.

I’m a bit dubious of these types of accreditation’s because I’m unclear as to the benefits but iv yet to read a lot about it so bit unfair to cast judgement at this point.

For example, 32Red signed up to a few things, had banners displaying their commitment to RG etc but, given their shocking processes (last time I looked), it find these things a tad sceptical, in the main.

[hilarylush]

@pinnit2015  It's fair to question accreditation schemes - not all are created equal! Not trying to 'sell' it to you, but just a bit of background...

The Safer Gambling Standard was launched at the start of 2019. It replaced a product (GamCare Certification) which had been operating for 15+ years. One of the key changes with the Standard  is that its criteria are reviewed by an independent, expert panel on an annual basis to ensure it remains ahead of regulation.  The process for accreditation is rigorous (taking approximately 6 months to complete) and includes a series of interviews with staff (including those in leadership roles), website / premises reviews, and review of customer interaction data and policies / procedures related.

The Standard aims to push gambling businesses to go beyond the requirements set by the regulator, and to be leaders in player protection. So your example of games being allowed at 100 quid normal stakes etc. is something our Standard looks at (one criterion looks at bonus schemes to ensure they don't encourage an unreasonable to excessive level of play).

We are currently developing a website for the Safer Gambling Standard, to better explain its role to the public (hence the survey). We also want to use the new website to highlight what socially responsible gambling businesses are doing, so that other businesses will follow suit.

It's worthwhile to note that GamCare's primary purpose is to support those affected by problem gambling. We operate the National Gambling Helpline in the UK and offer treatment and outreach services. Our engagement with the gambling industry is relatively small by comparison, but really important in helping prevent people ending up on the helpline or in our treatment services.

Sorry for the long message! You can download a copy of the Standard from our website if you're interested in seeing all criteria that gambling businesses need to meet: www.gamcare.org.uk/safergamblingstandard 

Thanks

[pinnit2015]

20 minutes ago, hilarylush said:

@pinnit2015  It's fair to question accreditation schemes - not all are created equal! Not trying to 'sell' it to you, but just a bit of background...

The Safer Gambling Standard was launched at the start of 2019. It replaced a product (GamCare Certification) which had been operating for 15+ years. One of the key changes with the Standard  is that its criteria are reviewed by an independent, expert panel on an annual basis to ensure it remains ahead of regulation.  The process for accreditation is rigorous (taking approximately 6 months to complete) and includes a series of interviews with staff (including those in leadership roles), website / premises reviews, and review of customer interaction data and policies / procedures related.

The Standard aims to push gambling businesses to go beyond the requirements set by the regulator, and to be leaders in player protection. So your example of games being allowed at 100 quid normal stakes etc. is something our Standard looks at (one criterion looks at bonus schemes to ensure they don't encourage an unreasonable to excessive level of play).

We are currently developing a website for the Safer Gambling Standard, to better explain its role to the public (hence the survey). We also want to use the new website to highlight what socially responsible gambling businesses are doing, so that other businesses will follow suit.

It's worthwhile to note that GamCare's primary purpose is to support those affected by problem gambling. We operate the National Gambling Helpline in the UK and offer treatment and outreach services. Our engagement with the gambling industry is relatively small by comparison, but really important in helping prevent people ending up on the helpline or in our treatment services.

Sorry for the long message! You can download a copy of the Standard from our website if you're interested in seeing all criteria that gambling businesses need to meet: www.gamcare.org.uk/safergamblingstandard 

Thanks

Thanks for the reply Hiliary.

Do you envisage, or how do you see, the scheme linking in with the UKGC’s conditions on RG? In other words, given the work involved in achieving accreditation (procedures, visits) is it possible that it could be a source of assurance to the regulators over how a casino has met their RG commitments? 

We know the UKGC don’t deal with RG complaints on case by case basis but obviously you’ll be aware that these issues are gathering momentum and, quite frankly, something needs to be changed

PS: as an auditor by trade, and a member of the institute of risk management, I’m happy to offer my services on a pro bono basis to carry any Ad hoc work out and put casinos through the ringer

[Fiekie247]

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