independent monitoring and evaluation process consistent with the best practice approach used by public bodies.
What is your role and remit with the new industry trade body going to be?
I am serving as interim CEO and my main role has been to work with the team to drive forward the establishment of the BGC and delivering on the large body of work across the industry.
In announcing its upcoming launch, the council stated it aims to represent 90 per cent of UK licensed betting firms, excluding lotteries. What bodies comprise the 10 per cent and what regulatory function will they perform?
We do not represent land based bingo or arcades and those industries that legally permit people under the age of 18 to gamble. Tese companies have their own trade bodies however we will work with them to ensure the highest standards across the whole industry.
The Betting and Gaming Council is being launched in a period where the UK, Italy and Denmark are showing symptoms of a maturing market, whilst there is regulated market expansion in Brazil, Holland and some US states. What challenges does this present to the Betting and Gaming Council?
Te Betting and Gaming Council will be at the forefront of raising standards in our industry and we will look to work with industry associations in other countries, sharing best practice and knowledge. Te BGC also maintains an International Committee which covers issues related to regulating betting and gaming markets worldwide.
Are there legitimate concerns that ID requirements and source of funds checks are
causing migration to non-regulated markets? Is driving sustainability having the opposite effect on customers?
Sustainability and intervention are not contradicting issues. Having a long term view of the customer and working to ensure their patronage is part of the customer protection journey. A large amount of research is being done in this area, and where emerging positive trends occur, operators will look to see to what extent they can integrate this into their customer service systems.
Tere is a danger that putting too much friction between the customer and the games they enjoy to play will drive customers to the black market. It is also the case that prohibitively high taxation and duties can impact on the value that our members can offer customers putting then at a disadvantage to the black market.
When we look at taxation and regulation across the world you tend to find that those countries with higher taxation and increased levels of friction also experience the highest levels of participation by their residents in the black market for betting and gaming. We will work with regulators to ensure the balance is struck between protecting the consumer and enabling an enjoyable experience.
Hyper-competition is squeezing margins. The Advertising Standards Authority is imposing strict red lines, with online advertising in their crosshairs. What can regulators do to help companies solves issues surrounding advertising? Is the responsibility to conform solely with affiliates?
We are responding positively to public concerns about advertising and will do through our safer gambling commitments. Tis year the industry introduced a ‘whistle to whistle’ ban on
gambling advertising. We are also examining online advertising to strengthen protections for those under-age and self-excluded. Age-gating for social media advertising will play an important role.
There is a growing media focus on the blurred line between games and gambling. The Belgian Gaming Commission and Netherlands Gaming Authority have taken a tough approach, whilst the US Federal Trade Commission has opened an investigation. What stance do you expect the Betting and Gaming Council to take?
We don’t represent video games companies. Te approach they take to addressing public concerns is one for them to consider however we can’t speak on their behalf.
Videogames are appearing on casino floors in Las Vegas to appeal to millennials. Are gambling-like mechanics in videogames a ‘gateway drug’ to gambling?
Gambling is reserved for 18+. If gambling is part of a videogame it needs to be regulated as such.
What are your predictions for the industry in 2020 and beyond? What opportunities and challenges do you anticipate the Betting and Gaming Council facing in its first year of operation?
Te Betting and Gaming Council through the safer gambling commitments will deliver higher standards and safer gambling, this is both an opportunity and challenge for our industry to get right but it is one we are fully committed to.
NEWSWIRE / INTERACTIVE / MARKET DATA P41
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