EGBA and eCOGRA unite to promote responsible gambling
Published on 18 July 2008
The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) have set out new guidelines to cover all parts of player protection, fair gaming and responsible operator behaviour for online gaming and betting. These standards complement laws already in force in European Union licensing jurisdictions.
More than 170 technical requirements have been met voluntarily to take into account all aspects of online gaming as well as associated betting services.
EGBA members must comply with all of the guidelines, as a requirement of their membership. eCOGRA the leading standards and player protection body, will carry out a compulsory annual audit to measure compliance.
The new guidelines follow EGBA’s code of conduct established in 2003. Self-regulation is very important in the online gaming and betting sector as it is needed to take stock of the fast paced world of eCommerce and stay ahead of slower legal developments. It also sets out European wide standards to ensure users can play in a safe, secure and reliable environment.
The new guidelines include:
Promotion of responsible gaming in order to prevent problem gaming and underage gaming
A zero tolerance policy when it comes to fraud and criminal behaviour.
Protection of customers’ privacy and safeguarding their information.
Ensuring prompt and accurate payment of customers’ winnings.
Assessing rigorously and independently the fairness of games.
A commitment to responsible and ethical marketing.
EGBA Chairman, Norman Teufelberger said, “These standards are a sign of our commitment to an exemplary level of corporate and social responsibility. They can serve as a basis for reflection at a time when governments and regulators across Europe are trying to find ways to best protect consumers in the online gaming and betting environment.”
Andrew Beveridge, the CEO of eCOGRA said, “Our goal is to ensure EGBA has a meaningful professional review purpose for determining each member’s compliance with agreed and consistently applied standards, which consumers and regulators have come to expect in the online gaming and betting industry.”
EGBA lists bwin and PartyGaming Plc among others as its members.
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