by Ryan D. Jaeger
The non profit industry watchdog group, eCOGRA has entered its fifth
consecutive year of training accredited online casinos and poker rooms on
responsible gambling.
This year alone, 70 personnel from four different countries received training
on their own premises, conducted by Tex Rees who is Responsible Gambling manager
for the group.
The courses covered issues such as:
- The identification of a problem gambler and how a compulsion develops.
- Problems facing problem gamblers.
- Perceived numbers versus prevalence study percentages.
- Implementation of eCOGRA standards and practices.
- Advertising standards.
Tex Rees commented on eCOGRA's commitment to high standards in responsible
gambling. "Responsible gambling ranks very high in eCOGRA priorities for both
social responsibility and business reasons," he said.
"This year is the fifth in which eCOGRA has provided this professional
service to Fair and Safe seal bearing online gambling revenues across the online
casino, poker room, mobile, bingo, live dealer and sports betting platforms of
the 145 international, tier one gambling sites that are accredited."
"It is heartening to note that this vitally important service is in constant
demand, illustrating a real commitment to responsible gambling by eCOGRA
operators that goes beyond merely meeting the standard accreditation
requirements in this regard," he added.
Andrew Beveridge, Chief Executive Officer of eCOGRA spoke of the
disproportionately large amount of media attention that the miniscule percentage
of problem gamblers receive.
"Nevertheless, problem gambling is frequently seized on by industry
detractors, and for this as well as moral and business reasons, it is essential
that operators ensure that staff is trained and facilities are available to the
players," said the CEO.
