British Gambling Industry Takes Responsibility for a Safer Ecosystem

Despite the absence of a concluded gambling review, the gambling industry in the UK continues on a course for improvement. With their sights set on a safer gambling ecosystem, the amusement arcade trade association, BACTA, announced the date of their annual Social Responsibility Exchange. Guest speakers include the UK inspectorate, YGAM, and GamCare.

News of technological advances in the responsible gambling sector continuously appears and, according to new statistics, the UK market has encouraging results on this front. Improvements for online and retail operators ensure greater consumer protection and renewed talks of a gambling ombudsman come to light.

 BACTA Hosts Safer Gambling Huddle

The day-long event takes place at London’s County Hall on 22 November and BACTA members can share best practices on Social Responsibility. BACTA intends for the day to be a platform where attendees within the gambling industry brainstorm on strategies that improve the consumer protection facet of gambling. 

By exchanging industry knowledge and efficient tactics that minimise gambling harm, guests and speakers further strengthen the regulated market in Britain. Russel Edge from BACTA said: 

“Ultimately, we hope members leave the event knowing more about Social Responsibility and having exchanged their knowledge where they can.”

The UKGC will provide updates on social responsibility practices in the country, while YGAM and GamCare deliver crucial information to improve player protection initiatives. With an updated Gambling Act off the table for at least the next few months, these industry leaders must place improved social responsibility at the top of their priority lists. 

 New Gambling Harm Statistics

Activists in the UK insist gambling harm reached unprecedented heights in recent years, but according to the UKGC, numbers are stable and still very low. The goal is zero, but statistics in a quarterly survey showed low levels of gambling addiction among Brits remained unchanged. 

The latest investigations delivered results in line with figures from the regulator’s report earlier in 2022. According to the UKGC, citizens with a gambling disorder account for 0.2% of the market. This means there was no increase from earlier this year and the figures remain 50% lower than last year. 

Along with better responsible gambling practices from the inspectorate, operators continuously raise the bar by introducing new applications to better protect players. BACTA intends for these to become industry standards as peers share their best practices at the upcoming event. These innovations include updates for the retail sector and balances accountability between operator staff and players. 

 Is a Gambling Ombudsman on the Cards?

Talks of the possibility of a gambling ombudsman resurfaced when IBAS, the Independent Betting Adjudication Service, stated its case as the best candidate for the job. The company currently deals with 80% of the gambling industry’s complaints and points out that this experience positions it well for the role. 

To further support its recommendation, Richard Hayler, IBAS MD, said:

“IBAS’s experience, expertise and commitment to independent decisions are unparalleled – having resolved over 85,000 gambling disputes. I welcome the creation of a new ombudsman, but for this to work, it needs to be run by an organisation that understands the sector and has a track record of helping and protecting consumers.” 

The organisation predicts that an effective gambling ombudsman can improve consumer protection and prevent complaints. Whether an ombudsman is on the cards for the Gambling Reform whitepaper remains to be seen, but IBAS and others argue it is essential.