by Renee Israel
The Remote Gaming Association, the group which represents some of the top
names in the online gambling world, has created a document that will guide
regulators in creating effective technical standards in the world of internet
gambling.
The UK based RGA said that its objective is to play an important role in the
regulatory status of online gambling on a national and international level,
using first hand experience as a its guidelines.
"While innovation and technology may present new challenges for regulators,
they also create new opportunities to provide efficient consumer protection and
combat crime," noted the Remote Gaming Association in a statement issued.
The group acknowledged the work that has already been undertaken by
regulatory groups such as the International Association of Gaming Regulators who
are moving towards similar objectives.
Objectives of RGA Guidelines
The new Remote Gaming Association guidelines aim to support regulators
in designing new effective technical standards which incorporate factors such as
consumer experience and market dynamics.
The standards will apply to all platforms and accommodate all forms of
betting and gaming products.
The new guidelines will stress the fairness and integrity of online gambling
products and will provide assurance to consumers that they can gamble in a safe
and secure environment.
RGA Committed to High Standards
According to the Chief Executive Officer of the RGA, Clive Hawkswood, the
group is committed to the encouragement of high standards of probity and
integrity in the industry, both for the benefit of its
members and the public.
"Ensuring that technical standards are consistent, proportionate, practical
and effective is central to that," said Hawkswood. "If that can be achieved
there would be obvious benefits for the industry, but we would suggest that this
must also be in the best interests of regulators, governments and consumers."
Hawkswood said that he would like to stress that the guidelines had nothing
to do with self regulation. "As an industry we are part of a well regulated
sector where is becoming common place for companies to
be licensed in multiple jurisdictions," he said.
"As those countries are essentially licensing the same products and
businesses, logic dictates that in most cases they should adopt similar
regulatory measures, such as those set out in our guidelines. We look forward to
discussing their application."
