Connect with us
European Gaming Congress 2024
spillemyndigheden-launches-new-campaign-to-remind-under-18s-of-the-consequences-of-gambling spillemyndigheden-launches-new-campaign-to-remind-under-18s-of-the-consequences-of-gambling

Compliance Updates

Spillemyndigheden Launches New Campaign to Remind Under-18s of the Consequences of Gambling

Published

on

Reading Time: 3 minutes

 

Spillemyndigheden, the Danish Gambling Authority, has launched a nationwide initiative targeting young people under the age of 18 that focuses on the consequences associated with gambling. One of the reasons for this is the need for early intervention, despite the fact that most types of gambling are only allowed for adults over the age of 18.

The vast majority of gambling products are only allowed for adults over the age of 18. However, a study by the Danish Gambling Authority shows that 15% of young people between the ages of 15-17 have gambled online in the past year. In addition, a clear trend in inquiries to the Danish Gambling Authority’s helpline StopSpillet shows that the vast majority of people with gambling problems make their gambling debut before the age of 25.

“Young people under the age of 18 in Denmark find ways to gamble, for example through friends or family or through online gambling sites without a Danish licence. We know that the younger you are when you make your gambling debut, the more likely you are to develop a gaming problem later on. That’s why, for the first time, we’re targeting under-18s directly, and we’re doing it in a new, creative way that turns the whole thing on its head. This is necessary if we are to remind young people of the risks of gambling and, not least, that the house always wins in the long run; gambling is not a way to quick and easy money,” Anders Dorph, director of the Danish Gambling Authority, said.

Advertisement
Stake.com

The focal point of the new effort is a fictional character, “The One-Armed Bandit”, who serves as an analogy for gambling addiction. As part of the effort, follow the character through short videos and posts on YouTube and Instagram and see how he scams and cheats his way into luring young people into gambling. Although the subject matter is serious, the content is characterised by humour and irony, which according to Anders Dorph is a strategic choice to get through to young people.

“The seriousness of gambling addiction must not be downplayed. But that doesn’t mean we should be pointing fingers at the under-18s. We have chosen a new approach in this effort, where we try to open young people’s eyes through humor and irony on their terms, so we arouse their curiosity, get them engaged and relate to gambling without stigmatizing and creating fear,” Anders Dorph said.

In connection with the development of the initiative, Anders Dorph said it has become clear how gambling has become a social activity among young people. This contributes to many young people forgetting the potential consequences that gambling can have.

“Danish young people are reflective and enlightened, and many are aware of how gambling can get out of hand and develop into gambling addiction, leading to loneliness, debt or other personal challenges. But we also know that gambling today is much more of a social activity among young people, who gamble in class, during breaks or at home with friends. In the social space, it can quickly seem harmless to gamble, and that’s exactly why with ‘The One-Armed Bandit’ we want to remind young people of the potential negative consequences,” Anders Dorph said.

“The One-Armed Bandit” is played by David Minerba, who has a large following on social media and is well known in the target audience. Comedian Martin Høgsted has been involved in the production of the content as director. “The One-Armed Bandit” has its own profile on YouTube and Instagram, where it is possible to follow the character, watch the content and interact with it. As part of the larger effort, the Danish Gambling Authority will also activate influencer collaborations to spread the messages.

Advertisement
Stake.com

Recently, the Danish Gambling Authority launched a new website, StyrPåSpillet, which gathers information about gambling and compulsive gambling in one place, where parents can find information and advice on how to engage in a dialogue with their children about gambling.

Australia

New Harm Minimisation Measures for Pubs and Clubs with Gaming Machines Come into Effect in New South Wales

Published

on

new-harm-minimisation-measures-for-pubs-and-clubs-with-gaming-machines-come-into-effect-in-new-south-wales
Reading Time: 2 minutes

 

Pubs and clubs in New South Wales with gaming machines are now required to comply with important new measures intended to embed a culture of harm minimisation in venues to support people at risk of gambling harm.

Venues with more than 20 gaming machines now need to have a dedicated Responsible Gambling Officer (RGO) on duty while gaming machines are in operation.

Under the changes, licensed venues are also banned from placing any signage or advertising relating to gaming machines either on, or visible from, an Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) or EFTPOS terminal.

Advertisement
Stake.com

Any sign that advertises or gives direction to ATMs or EFTPOS terminals will also not be allowed to be visible from a gaming machine or any part of a gaming area.

Venues will be given a month’s grace period to ensure they are compliant with the new ATM signage rules before enforcement activity commences in August.

The NSW Government has consulted industry and stakeholders on the new requirements.

Venues will be responsible for identifying and training suitable staffs to fulfil the role of Responsible Gambling Officers, who will help identify and support patrons displaying concerning gambling behaviour, make referrals to gambling support services and facilitate requests for self-exclusion.

The number of officers required to be on duty will be scaled depending on the number of gaming machine entitlements a venue has.

Advertisement
Stake.com

Venues will also be required to keep a Gambling Incident Register to record details of occurrences including where a patron displays behaviour that indicates they are at risk of, or experiencing gambling harm, and any requests for self-exclusion.

Further changes will be rolled out from 1 January 2025, when all ATMs must:

  • Be located at least five metres from the entry to a gaming room or area where gaming machines are located.
  • Not be visible from:
    • The entry to a gaming room, or area or room where gaming machines are located.
    • A gaming machine.

Liquor & Gaming NSW inspectors have already commenced visiting venues across the state to ensure they are aware of the new 1 July obligations, and will be providing further guidance to industry about the changes that apply from 1 January 2025.

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said: “We know that gaming machines represent the most serious risk of gambling harm, impacting individuals and their loved ones.

“The NSW Government is committed to implementing gambling reform to reduce these harms, including this introduction of Responsible Gambling Officers in pubs and clubs, and changes to the placement and visibility of ATMs in venues.

“Responsible Gambling Officers will work to identify those patrons most at risk, or who are already experiencing gambling harm, check on their wellbeing and help refer them to support services if required.

Advertisement
Stake.com

“Having cash dispensing facilities further away from gaming machines encourages a clean break in play for patrons who may be losing track of what they are spending.

“We’ll be monitoring compliance in these areas closely to see if we need to look at strengthening harm minimisation laws even further.”

The post New Harm Minimisation Measures for Pubs and Clubs with Gaming Machines Come into Effect in New South Wales appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Compliance Updates

Gentoo Media signs partnership agreement with SkyCity for automated brand protection tool GiG Comply

Published

on

gentoo-media-signs-partnership-agreement-with-skycity-for-automated-brand-protection-tool-gig-comply
Reading Time: < 1 minute

 

Gentoo Media has today announced a new partnership agreement with New Zealand brand, SkyCity, Australasia’s leading gaming, entertainment and hospitality businesses, for the provision of its automated compliance and brand protection tool, GiG Comply.

The agreement will reinforce SkyCity’s commitment to responsible gambling, safeguarding their brand through ensuring regulatory compliance across its various marketing efforts. GiG Comply will allow SkyCity to monitor that its affiliates are following their brand guidelines and regulatory requirements, ensuring that its marketing efforts remain compliant.

The agreement demonstrates both parties’ dedication to upholding the highest standards of compliance and brand protection through monitoring that regulatory requirements are followed and respected. SkyCity will now be able to effectively adapt to the dynamic landscape of the iGaming industry and its ever changing regulatory demands.

Advertisement
Stake.com

Rasmus Bank Nielsen, Head of GiG Comply, said: “We are thrilled to add SkyCity to our growing list of partners for GiG Comply, and we look forward to assisting them with their compliance strategy, safeguarding their brand. We hope our new partnership with SkyCity is the start of a long standing collaboration to strengthen their affiliate marketing compliance, ensuring that they will remain in control of all of their marketing, and are in line with responsible gaming.”

Mads Birch Jespersen, Director of Marketing & Media from SkyCity says: “In a rapidly evolving online casino landscape like New Zealand and given the comprehensive compliance standards that SkyCity is determined to uphold, GiG Comply offers an additional filter for us to meet these standards. The tool allows us to explore and expand our online presence, while keeping everything in line within our regulatory strategy.”

The post Gentoo Media signs partnership agreement with SkyCity for automated brand protection tool GiG Comply appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Compliance Updates

The Danish Gambling Authority Will Have More Response Options with Amendment of the Gambling Act

Published

on

the-danish-gambling-authority-will-have-more-response-options-with-amendment-of-the-gambling-act
Reading Time: < 1 minute

 

On 2 May, the Danish Parliament adopted the Act on Amendment of Act on Gambling. Among other things, the amendment of the Gambling Act means that the Danish Gambling Authority from the 1st of July 2024 will have more response options i.e., options to issue orders and reprimands.

Until last month, the Danish Gambling Authority had the option to warn the licence holder or report it to the police when the Danish Gambling Authority found a breach of the gambling legislation.

However, in the future, when the Danish Gambling Authority finds a breach, the Danish Gambling Authority can issue an order and/or a reprimand. If the licence holder fails to comply with the order or does not meet the deadline, the breach may result in a report to the police or the licence may be revoked.

Advertisement
Stake.com

The amendment of the Act also means that the Danish Gambling Authority must publish court rulings where the outcome is a verdict of guilty or a partial verdict and fines issued for breaches found after 1 July 2024 on the Danish Gambling Authority’s website for five years.

On Spillemyndigheden.dk, you will find a full list of all reactions issued by the Danish Gambling Authority. You will find the list “Rulings and reactions” under “News” in the menu. The list enables you to filter by type of reaction and field of law.

The post The Danish Gambling Authority Will Have More Response Options with Amendment of the Gambling Act appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Continue Reading

Trending