gambling industry lacked standardised, measurable responsible gambling policies. My colleagues and I - Paul Bellringer, Paul Simon, Tomas Nilsson, and myself - recognised the need for an independent accreditation system that set higher standards alongside national regulations.
Our very first project was with an online poker operator,
PokerRoom.com*5
, which led us to develop a comprehensive checklist of
responsible gambling standards. Since then, G4 has expanded its reach globally, certifying land-based and online operators committed to best practices in harm prevention.
What was the most impactful outcome of your RG initiatives?
One of the most significant contributions was the introduction of the “panic button” feature, allowing players to take immediate action if they recognised problematic gambling behaviour. Additionally, self-exclusion programmes, responsible gambling training for casino staff, and the adoption of harm detection markers have played crucial roles in reducing gambling-related harm.
How did you assess the effectiveness of your initiatives?
Measuring the impact of responsible gambling measures remains a challenge. Unlike traditional medical treatments, addiction interventions lack universally agreed-upon success metrics. Te Reno Model*6
,
developed in 2004, provided a scientific framework for responsible gambling, but determining what truly works requires ongoing research and adaptation.
How do cultural differences impact responsible gambling policies? Cultural perspectives on gambling regulation vary significantly. In some
What are your aspirations for the future of responsible gambling initiatives?
At 75 years old, I recognise that my primary role now is to facilitate discussions and ensure that responsible gambling remains a priority for the industry. While total eradication of problem gambling is unrealistic, continued collaboration, research, and innovation can mitigate harm.
Technology, particularly artificial intelligence, will play a role in identifying at-risk individuals, but human intervention and ethical considerations must remain central to responsible gambling efforts.
What has been the most fulfilling aspect of your career? Te establishment of G4 and the development of international responsible gambling standards have been my proudest achievements. Bringing together diverse stakeholders through EASG conferences and influencing policy discussions globally has been incredibly rewarding. Responsible gambling is a shared responsibility, and fostering cooperation between regulators, industry leaders, and treatment professionals remains a crucial part of my legacy.
countries, gambling is highly liberalised, while others impose stringent restrictions. A key challenge is balancing effective harm prevention with industry sustainability. In many cases, policymakers and regulators struggle to find the right approach, often influenced by political rather than scientific considerations.
How has EASG advanced responsible gambling research and policy? EASG, where I have served as Secretary General since 1997, facilitates collaboration between regulators, researchers, industry professionals, and treatment specialists. Our biennial conferences serve as a platform for sharing knowledge and best practices, fostering a balanced dialogue between different stakeholders.
*1: *Dr. William R. "Bill" Eadington (1946–2013) was a pioneering economist in the field of gambling studies. He served as the Philip J. Satre Chair in Gaming Studies and was the founding director of the Institute for the Study of Gambling and Commercial Gaming at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR).
*2: In 1997, Paul Bellringer founded GamCare, a leading UK charity that offers information, advice, and support for individuals affected by gambling harms.
*3: Tomas Nilsson is a notable figure in this field. In 1999, he co-founded Sustainable Interaction with Johan Brandsten, combining his expertise in psychology and addiction treatment with Brandsten's passion for digitalisation.
42
*4: Te Global Gambling Guidance Group (G4) is an accreditation and certification body dedicated to promoting responsible gambling practices worldwide. Established by a consortium of international experts from Australia, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Sweden, G4 aims to minimise the impact of problem gambling on individuals and communities by setting high industry standards.
*5:
PokerRoom.com was an online poker platform established in 1999. Licensed by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, it offered both play and real money formats, accessible via web-browser and download clients. In 2006, the Austrian online gaming company Bwin acquired
PokerRoom.com.
PokerRoom.com was established by Patrick Selin and David Flynn. Patrick Selin was the former CEO and president of the Ongame Network and
Gnuf.com. Later, he became the chief executive officer of Bodog UK. David Flynn served as the CEO of Glitnor Group from January 2020 until he transitioned to a board position in early 2023. Before joining Glitnor, Flynn held senior roles at various gaming companies, including NYX Gaming Group and Jackpotjoy.
*6: Te Reno Model is a science-based framework for responsible gambling developed by Howard J. Shaffer, Robert Ladouceur, and Alex Blaszczynski. First introduced in 2004, this model outlines principles to guide industry operators, health service providers, community groups, consumers, and governments in adopting and implementing responsible gambling and harm-minimisation initiatives.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126 |
Page 127 |
Page 128 |
Page 129 |
Page 130 |
Page 131 |
Page 132 |
Page 133 |
Page 134 |
Page 135 |
Page 136 |
Page 137 |
Page 138 |
Page 139 |
Page 140
