Machine suppliers call for mandatory responsible gambling measures in the UK

Luke Alvarez, CEO and Founder of Inspired Gaming, said: “We do not want problem gamblers playing on any of our machines and the new measures are a positive first step in our long-term development roadmap to better protect the 0.5% of problem gamblers in the UK and to minimise the risks to all gamblers.”

“However, it makes no sense to target bookmakers’ machines specifically – those vulnerable to addiction will still be at risk with other venues, products and channels and we urge the Government and Regulator to work with stakeholders on how it can develop the concepts and learnings from the ABB Code for Responsible Gambling and Player Protection (ABB Code) across all UK land-based and online products.”

Steve Frater, Chairman of SG Gaming, said: “We are committed to providing a fun leisure experience for those who enjoy playing on machines, whilst developing new ways to protect those who are at risk of harm. We have been able to develop and deploy new player protection measures in under five months since the publication of the ABB Code in September but see this as only the first step in achieving world leading player protection software through continuing research and development.”

Inspired Gaming and SG Gaming supply technology and machines to UK bookmakers including William Hill, Ladbrokes, Coral, Betfred, Paddy Power and hundreds of Independent bookmakers. Working closely with the Association of British Bookmakers (ABB), problem gambling academics, and bookmakers, Inspired Gaming and SG Gaming have designed on-machine technology solutions to achieve the objectives of the ABB Code.

Key points about the new Responsible Gambling measures in bookmakers:

·         Introduces enforced breaks for customers on gaming machines with automatic on-screen alerts about the money and time spent

·         Players can self-set customisable time and/or spend limits at the start of their session and will receive an on-screen alert about the money and time spent once limits are reached

·         Staff are notified via the cashier system when any limits are reached, allowing for human intervention, and staff will be receiving comprehensive responsible gambling training

·         Described by academic experts as ‘world-leading harm minimisation measures’

·         Code came into effect March 1.