|
Standards bodies and other regulators of the online casino
industry are making efforts to establish an international code of conduct on the
topic of responsible online gambling. Their focus is to decipher appropriate
conduct for online casino operators. A panel discussion at a recent online
casino trade show has yielded the latest initiative on the matter.
Microgaming, the leading online casino software provider,
organized the round table discussion. The intention was to review what was
currently being done by the online casino industry, what common code can be
agreed upon, and how that code may be implemented in the global online casino
market. When the code is drafted it is likely to include software providers as
well as individual online casino operators.
The online casino industry is aiming to complete the
initiative by next fall. Other important figures in the online casino industry
are participating. A working party was led by eCORGA (eCommerce and Online
Gambling Regulation and Assurance), the independent online casino player
protection body, and GamCare, the leading authority on problem gambling in the
United Kingdom. The two organizations are attempting to combine their
individual codes as a framework to guide a planned international summit later in
2007.
In addition to players in the online casino industry, the
Portman Group was also in attendance for the purpose of outlining how the
alcohol industry came together in the United Kingdom to address problem
drinking.
Clarifying the online casino industry’s perspective on the
summit, Microgaming CEO Roger Raatgever stated, “Contrary to some reporting on
this industry, much is already being done to address issues surrounding
responsible online gambling. However, we recognize that the current situation
of having a number of codes of practice covering a diverse range of areas is not
ideal for the industry or the players. The formation of one clearly defined
international code demonstrating best practice with a unified voice will
strengthen communication to both the players and the industry as a whole.”
Return to Casino News...
|
