NCPG takes aim at igaming states over “drastically short” RG standards failings
Advocacy body report finds four of seven jurisdictions have some but not all required safeguards
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) has claimed that regulators in four legalized igaming jurisdictions are falling “dramatically short” of acceptable minimum responsible gambling standards.
The assessment comes following the publication of an NCPG-commissioned report by regulatory intelligence firm Vixio, which assessed current consumer protection standards across the seven legal igaming states against the NCPG’s internet responsible gambling standards (IRGS).
The IRGS cover areas including policy commitments, staff training, supporting informed decision-making by players, and other subjects including self-exclusion, advertising, game features, and research.
In respect of these minimum commitments, researchers found regulators in Delaware, Michigan, Nevada, and West Virginia did not require operators to provide players with sufficient responsible gambling protections.
In contrast, regulations imposed on igaming markets including in Connecticut, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania met the majority of the standards outlined in the IRGS but still fell short of meeting the full list.
“The most ethical and cost-effective response to gambling addiction issues raised by internet gambling is a comprehensive public health strategy that includes prevention, education, treatment, and research services,” the NCPG said.
“Responsible gambling standards are an important aspect of this approach.
“NCPG recommends every state with igaming or those looking to legalize igaming adopt the IRGS standards to best protect consumers from the negative consequences of gambling,” the advocacy body added.
The IRGS were developed in 2012 and are updated regularly to include the most pressing aspects of responsible gambling, as well as changes to the current online betting market and consumer trends, and technology.