News
GamCare responds to Written Ministerial Statement by Minister for Sport on Remote Gambling
7 January 2010
GamCare CEO Andy McLellan responds:
“GamCare welcomes the focus the Minister's statement has placed on this important issue.
“The vast majority of remote gaming sites available to UK players are not licensed by the Gambling Commission. That is why we introduced GamCare Certification for remote operators. This provides UK players with the reassurance that a GamCare Certificated site is run by an operator who takes responsible gambling seriously. It means they have in place proper systems to prevent underage play, ways to help players set and manage budgets, and to exclude themselves from sites, and contacts for people needing help.
“We have already certified more than 30 remote operators and many more are in the pipeline, including mobile phone companies. Whilst a new licensing requirement may be the ultimate outcome, the consultative and legislative process will inevitably be long - years rather than months. We think this increases the importance of our work on behalf of UK consumers, who should look for our Certification logo on sites, and its value to remote operators.”
To read GamCare's submission to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport's review of remote gambling please click here.
Press contact:
Eileen Kinghan, GamCare, 020 7801 7003, eileen@gamcare.org.uk
NOTES FOR EDITORS
1. GamCare is the leading provider of advice, practical help, support and treatment for anyone affected by problem gambling. GamCare Trade Services, a company wholly owned by the charity, provides advice, training and Certification to the gambling industry, both land-based and online and in any jurisdiction. This activity is funded on a cost-recovery basis. Key people within the organisation who have responsibility for policy and procedures, and those who have contact with the customer, must receive training in social responsibility and problem gambling awareness. GamCare provides this or needs to be satisfied that the operator’s own training arrangements are satisfactory. GamCare training is face-to-face or via e-learning. Training must be refreshed annually.
2. GamCare Certification is available for gaming, betting and lottery products and across mobile gaming and internet platforms. Certification normally lasts for one year. It is available to land-based and online operators, whether licensed in the UK or in other jurisdictions. GamCare Certification includes:
Age verification – a system to verify age and ID of customers must be in place.
Self-exclusion – the ability for a customer to self-exclude must be available.
Responsible gambling measures – reality checks, deposit limits, account controls etc.
Sources of help – leaflets, posters, containing information regarding responsible gambling and sources of help must be displayed and readily available to the customer.
Awareness – staff must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of social responsibility, awareness of problem gambling and the sources of help available.
3. GamCare is funded from the Responsible Gambling Fund, using funds raised by the GREaT Foundation from the gambling and related industries and funding priorities agreed annually by the Responsible Gambling Strategy Board. For a summary of the funding structure on the GREaT Foundation’s website please go to http://www.thegreatfoundation.org.uk/newfundstructure.pdf.
4. The Written Ministerial statement can be accessed on the DCMS website at http://www.culture.gov.uk/reference_library/minister_speeches/6560.aspx.
-ENDS-