A new report from the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) has just been issued, and it has the potential to transform the American iGaming sector. When evaluating the rules of the seven states that have allowed iGaming, the NCPG determined that four of them were failing to offer appropriate protection for players.
The Details of the Report
The report, titled “U.S. Online Responsible Gaming Regulations: An Evaluation Against National Council on Problem Gambling Standards,” evaluated the regulations in Delaware, Michigan, Nevada, and West Virginia and found that they were lacking in providing players with the responsible gambling protection they deserve. Based on the NCPG’s Internet Responsible Gambling Standards, these states do not have rules in place that fulfill those requirements (IRGS).
The NCPG study found that despite the unsatisfactory outcomes in four states, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania have rules in place that fulfill the majority of the IRGS requirements. Even though these three states are not in complete compliance with the IRGS guidelines, they are nevertheless providing greater protection for their gamers than the other four states that were shown to be deficient.
About IGRS
The NCPG created the IRGS in 2012 as a standard for the industry to follow for the benefit of operators, regulators, advocates, and the general public. To aid players in spotting and avoiding gambling addiction, it provides detailed advice in many key areas, including policy, staff training, advertising, promotions, and more.
Constant revision has ensured that the IRGS remains relevant and useful to the iGaming sector, keeping pace with developments in consumer protection and technological advancements.
Key Takeaways
According to the NCPG, addressing problem gambling requires a public health approach that prioritizes prevention, education, treatment, and research. It considers responsible gambling rules to be an important part of its strategy, particularly considering the results of its most recent research, which indicates that preteens and teenagers who are exposed to gaming are more likely to develop gambling problems as adults.
The findings of the NCPG’s study should serve as a wake-up call to the four states with weak safeguards for gaming. This study highlights the importance of responsible gaming standards and the need for all regulated countries to comply with the IRGS to provide the best player safety. The work that the NCPG is doing to lessen the damage that may be caused by gambling is very important, and the outcomes of this study serve as an important reminder that everyone has a role to play in developing an online gaming industry that is reputable and safe.
