Operator News
Germany – Spielbanken Niedersachsen meets ECA Responsible Gambling Framework criteria
By Phil - 20 December 2021
Germany-based casino operator, Spielbanken Niedersachsen GmbH (SNG), has achieved certification according to the ECA Responsible Gambling Framework following an independent audit conducted by respected auditors Prof. J. Häfeli (Luzern) and Ms. S. Brecht (Stuttgart). Certification of the 10-strong German casino group ensures that SNG is operating in adherence with the latest standards in Responsible Gambling upheld by the licensed land-based casinos industry in Europe.
SNG joins a growing number of ECA members currently certified according to the ECA Responsible Gambling Framework, which includes Casino Cosmopol (Sweden), Casino 2000 (Luxembourg), Casino Monte Carlo (Monaco), Veikkaus (Finland), Casino Belgrade (Serbia), Spielbanken Baden-Württemberg (Germany), Merkur Spielbanken Sachsen Anhalt (Germany), Holland Casino and Casinos Austria, with several other leading operators currently undergoing the process of certification.
Certification is granted to ECA members after an independent third-party audit has been conducted. The ECA Responsible Gaming Framework has been developed with input and leadership from eminent researchers in the field of gambling addiction over several years. The certification according to this standard is exclusive to members of the European Casino Association.
“The ECA not only holds itself accountable to an unwavering set of principles by which the licenced and legal land-based casino industry operates in Europe, but promotes independent scrutiny by industry professionals to ensure the highest levels of transparency are adhered to at all times,” stated ECA Secretary General, Hermann Pamminger.
The main criteria of the ECA Responsible Gambling Framework covers the following topics:
Employee Training
Player Education
Entrance Policies
Stakeholder Engagement
Advertising and Marketing
Research and Awareness
“Whilst our members strictly adhere to the legislation and regulations set forth by the individual countries in which they operate, it is of the utmost importance that a comprehensive standard is set across all European casinos for the safe-guarding of our customers,” commented ECA Chairman, Per Jaldung. “Responsible Gambling is the tenet to which all members of the ECA are fully committed. The totally independent nature of the audit ensures that these principles are indisputable and represent the highest levels of probity adopted by our members.”
It is a stated goal of the ECA that all members should implement the Responsible Gambling Framework and comply with the latest responsible gambling measures as outlined in the framework.
Max Rösle, Managing Director of Spielbanken Niedersachsen, added: “Responsible Gambling in Germany is an integral part of our day-to-day business as mandated by law. The audit, however, is an opportunity to improve our processes and develop our standards even further. It is in the interest of all members to support responsible gambling and in doing so, strengthen the credibility of the ECA.
“I would like to thank our auditors, Prof. J. Häfeli and Ms. S. Brecht, two experts in the field of Responsible Gambling and Management Training, for their competence and diligence. The audit was not disruptive and proved an invaluable and enriching process for our 10 casinos and all employees within our Group.”
“As a serious casino operator, it can only be in our interest to offer our customers responsible gambling standards that fall under a uniform procedure. It is a principle not only of consumer protection, but also of credibility,” concluded Mr. Rösle.
