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UK – British Betting launches new code of conduct

By - 27 February 2014

The British gambling industry will launch a new code of conduct on March 1 as part of its ongoing efforts to tackle problem gambling on FOBTs in Licensed Betting Offices. Described by harm minimisation experts as ‘world-leading’ measures, the Code for Responsible Gambling and Player Protection introduces enforced breaks for customers on gambling machines, automatic alerts about the money and time spent, and improved training for betting shop staff. The Code has been designed by the Association of British Bookmakers with the full support of the gambling industry. Dr Mark Griffiths, Professor of Gambling Studies at Nottingham Trent University’s International Gaming Research Unit, said: “The player protection and harm minimisation measures proposed go further than anything else emanating from the UK gambling sector in the past. Some of the measures proposed are innovative and potentially world-leading and I am delighted that the ABB has taken such a proactive stance in their efforts to promote responsible gambling and minimise problem gambling.” It is the first time anywhere in the world that customers will able to set their own limits on the amount of time and money they spend on gambling machines. Staff are alerted when the limit is reached, and the machine alerts the customer and forces a 30-second break in play. The machines also give mandatory alerts when a customer has spent £250 or played for 30 minutes. Dirk Hansen, CEO of GamCare, a charity which helps treat problem gamblers, commented: “I welcome the ABB’s move towards offering greater protections for players, encouraging responsible play, and for raising awareness amongst betting shop customers about the help that is available for problem gambling. These new measures will not only educate players to the risks associated with gambling, but also empower individuals to get support when they need it” In addition, betting shop staff will be given additional training to help identify problem gamblers, and to offer advice and support. The training will be refreshed on a regular basis. Messaging promoting the risks of problem gambling will also be given greater prominence. Both betting shops and individual machines will carry more conspicuous warnings from March 1 onwards. The technological measures are being installed on 33,000 gambling machines across England and Wales. Due to testing and installation requirements, they will take up to six months to introduce. Bookmakers are working with gaming operators to ensure the time frames are as short as possible. The Code will evolve as new research and new technological solutions are developed. Dirk Vennix, Chief Executive of the Association of British Bookmakers, said: “The Code will help give players more control and encourage responsible gambling. It forms part of the industry’s ongoing, proactive efforts to be socially responsibly, to tackle problem gambling and to ensure a duty of care towards every customer. “We recognise growing concerns that some customers are spending too much money or too much time on gaming machines. We want to take steps to protect them. Because one problem gambler is one too many,” Mr. Vennix added. “That is why we have put together the Code, which introduces revolutionary new harm minimisation measures, the likes of which have yet to be seen anywhere in the world. “The industry has come together as one to promote responsible gambling. It is united in a fierce commitment to help vulnerable people. That is why the measures that the Code introduces go above and beyond regulatory requirements. We believe the measures strike the right balance between protecting customers without stopping the enjoyment of the 8 million people who play on gaming machines without any problems.” Both the supply and operating sides of the industry have been keen to lend their support to the new codes. Luke Alvarez, CEO and Founder of Inspired Gaming Group, said: “Inspired takes its social responsibilities seriously and, as a major supplier of gaming machines to bookmakers, we do not want problem gamblers playing on our machines. We welcome the introduction of these best practice measures in responsible gambling and have worked tirelessly to implement them as quickly as possible. However, we know that the machines in bookmakers are not the highest income machines we supply and that problem gamblers typically engage in up to nine forms of gambling. These best practice measures should be introduced across all Category B gaming machines in the UK, including AGCs and Casinos.” Carl Leaver, CEO of Gala Coral Group, added: “Gambling is a leisure activity enjoyed by millions of people, the vast majority of which experience no problems at all.  However, for some people, there are risks associated with all gambling products, and machines are no different in this respect.  We want all our customers to be able to enjoy gambling safely and that is why we are introducing a range of measures to help them monitor and control their gambling.  We have also completed a huge training programme to better equip our teams to offer support and advice when it is needed. “This new Code of Practice will be built upon as we learn more about problem gambling through the world-leading research being conducted by the Responsible Gambling Trust, an independent charity funded by voluntary donations from the industry,” Mr. Leaver added. “All bookmakers have given full access to machine play data at a transactional level and, where available, customer level to ensure that this research will be truly ground-breaking in improving our understanding of problem gambling and how we can act to minimise potential harm.” Richard Glynn, CEO of Ladbrokes PLC, said: “The measures in the ABB code represent a major commitment from the industry and it is a significant step forward in terms of harm minimisation.” Ralph Topping, CEO of William Hill Plc, said: “During our 80 years in business, William Hill people have always displayed a strong commitment to social responsibility. Our latest commitment, the ABB code, has been 12 months in creation, and the final stages will be rolled out shortly, giving further impetus to the promotion of responsible gambling across all betting shop products.” Andy McCue, Head of Retail (UK & Ireland) at Paddy Power said: “At Paddy Power we take our social responsibilities very seriously. Although for the vast majority of our customers gambling is a fun and enjoyable pastime, we are very aware that a small minority develop problems. The best way to minimise potential harm is to put punters firmly in control of their gambling and ensure our staff are on hand to provide information about where to get treatment and support when it is needed. The Code measures help do just that and are significant in the industry’s efforts to help tackle problem gambling.” The Institute of Economic Affairs have released a statement saying: “The sensible ‘nudge-style’ measures in the new code should help the small minority of compulsive gamblers without unduly hindering the enjoyment of the majority. All gambling activities inevitably attract problem gamblers. Fixed odds betting terminals are just the latest gambling product to become the focus of a moral panic. There are no magic bullets and prohibition never works, but the betting industry has responded with sound harm reduction measures that we can support.”

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