Interactive

US – GeoComply announces PlayPause tool to strengthen multi-state responsible gaming programmes

By Lewis - 16 September 2020

GeoComply has announced in conjunction with Responsible Gaming Education Week, the launch of PlayPause, a tool designed to modernise and strengthen the effectiveness of the iGaming and online sports betting industry’s responsible gaming programmes.

PlayPause provides an efficient way for operators to manage important aspects of their responsible gaming compliance requirements across multiple states. PlayPause will be made available free-of-charge to operators via a newly established non-profit organisation, Conscious Gaming.

“At GeoComply, we’re always looking for ways to leverage technology in a meaningful and responsible way,” explained Anna Sainsbury, GeoComply Chairman and Co-Founder. “PlayPause is not only an important compliance tool, but a way we can unite the industry and regulators to deepen their shared commitment to responsible gaming and consumer protection.”

Powered by GeoComply, the PlayPause solution will expand the protective self-exclusion bubble so that as players move from state to state, the protection that they have asked for, can also move with them.

PlayPause enables consumers to self-exclude across multiple states to prevent incidence of simply crossing a state line and continuing to gamble. It empowers operators to strengthen responsible gaming programmes – and make more data driven decisions – with greater insights into players that have already self-excluded in one state but need to be recognised and protected if/when they seek to play in another jurisdiction.

PlayPause also streamlines the administrative burden and eliminate the silos associated with maintaining numerous separate state-operated self-exclusion databases.

Elizabeth Lanza, Director of the Office of Compulsive and Problem Gambling, Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, added: “Pennsylvania is pleased to be at the forefront of a new responsible gaming tool, designed to strengthen consumer protection and take self-exclusion programs in a new direction.”

Keith Whyte, Executive Director of the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) echoed this sentiment, noting: “Creating a multi-state self-exclusion tool has long been a goal of all stakeholders that are committed to responsible gaming.

“The NCPG applauds the creation of PlayPause – this is a prime example of how technology and innovation can be leveraged to advance consumer protection and foster a more effective responsible gaming framework across the gambling and sports betting industries.”

Omer Sattar, Co-founder and EVP at Sightline Payments highlighted: “Sightline enthusiastically supports GeoComply in creating PlayPause, which until now was a missing link in the industry’s arsenal of responsible gaming tools. Our support is reflective of Sightline’s long standing commitment to responsible gaming and corporate social responsibility. This is a key step to advance all stakeholders’ interest in strengthening consumer protection and providing safeguards to ensure that all gaming products are enjoyed in a responsible way.”