Global initiative Better Gambling Forum launches framework to address gambling harm

The Better Gambling Forum (BGF) has unveiled its Responsible Gambling Practice and Policy Pillars (RG3P) Framework. The BGF is a multi-stakeholder gambling harm prevention initiative of the Brain Capital Alliance, working with the G7/G20, United Nations, and World Economic Forum.

The announcement of the six core pillars marks an effort to establish "a unified, evidence-based approach to harm prevention and player protection worldwide," said the Brain Capital Alliance, a brain health initiative.

Shawn Fluharty, Chair of the BGF Steering Committee, described the initiative as a timely response to a growing global concern. “This initiative, a response to the growing need for coordinated, evidence-based responses to gambling-related harm, aims to future-proof gambling and public health policy by identifying and elevating scalable, evidence-informed practices,” he said.

The RG3P Framework identifies six key areas that policymakers, regulators, and public health experts can use as a guide to address gambling-related harm through a brain health and public health lens. These include education and harm prevention, early risk detection and intervention, treatment and recovery support, standards for products and marketing, ethical accountability for operators, and continuous research backed by sustainable funding.

Kevin Winters, a member of the forum, said the goal was to create a worldwide resource. “Our mission is to create a practical, comprehensive framework that can be adopted across jurisdictions to strengthen existing player protection measures,” he noted. “By focusing on these six pillars, we can provide a clear and actionable path forward that puts public and brain health first.”

The framework is intended to work alongside existing responsible gambling programs, offering a common benchmark to unify approaches across countries and organizations. Oversight is provided by an independent Scientific Oversight Committee, which ensures recommendations are grounded in scientific and ethical standards.

Francis Keyser, also serving on the committee, emphasized the need to address the evolving risks associated with gambling. “Gambling has long been a source of entertainment and economic activity," Keyser pointed out. "It is not inherently harmful, but as it becomes more embedded in digital environments, it can contribute to mental health challenges and societal strain, particularly among youth."

"The six pillars of the RG3P Framework are designed to address this challenge and serve as a foundational structure for jurisdictions seeking to create a ‘gold standard’ guide for gambling awareness, treatment programs, and regulations,” he added.