When we think about responsible gambling, we often focus on what operators need to do to keep their customers safe. But what about the people responsible for overseeing these operators—the regulators?
These unsung heroes play a vital role in ensuring gambling is conducted in a safe and responsible way. Yet, without proper training, even the most well-intentioned regulators can fall short in identifying issues that could lead to gambling harm. This is crucial for creating better regulations and conducting more effective compliance checks. Here’s why.
First – Understanding this industry
Let’s face it, gambling is big business. From sports betting to online casinos, the industry generates billions in revenue. You have a number of employees in specific areas of the business, encouraged to learn, to develop and to know that area as much as possible. Imagine trying to oversee a complex financial market without knowing how stocks or bonds work.
Similarly, if regulators don’t understand how gambling products function, the way players interact with them, or the kinds of addictive behaviors they can foster, they’ll struggle to create effective rules. This is why training regulators in the intricacies of the gambling industry is key. They need to know how different products work, how promotions can encourage more betting, and how technology is transforming the landscape, especially with the rise of online gambling.
Harm Prevention
One of the most critical aspects of gambling regulation is minimizing harm. Gambling-related harm isn’t just a personal issue, it’s a societal one. It affects families, relationships, and can even lead to financial ruin. The earlier these issues are identified, the better.
Regulatory staff trained in the signs of gambling harm are better equipped to conduct meaningful compliance checks. They can look beyond whether operators are following the rules on paper and assess if they’re genuinely working to protect their customers. A well-trained regulator knows what to look for: Are operators implementing self-exclusion measures effectively? Are they using data to identify at-risk players, or simply ticking boxes to satisfy legal requirements? Are they just saying these things to look good but don’t want to look under the hood?
Technological Changes
Technology is rapidly changing how people gamble. From mobile apps to virtual casinos, the ways players engage with gambling are becoming more sophisticated, and so are the risks. With algorithms tracking player behavior and personalized promotions encouraging users to keep betting, the line between responsible gambling and exploitation can blur quickly. Even me, as someone who spends most of her time online and teaches cyberpsychology, is in awe of some of the things I hear students talk about this topic (and I can’t keep up). For regulators, this creates a moving target. How do you regulate an industry where the landscape is constantly shifting? The answer lies in continuous education.
The Operators
A common misconception is that regulators and operators are always at odds, but the truth is, they need to work together for the system to function effectively. Operators aren’t just out to make money, and many are genuinely interested in promoting responsible gambling. Regulators, on the other hand, want to ensure the rules are followed and public safety is prioritised. When regulatory staff are well-versed in the industry and the challenges operators face, it creates a more productive relationship. Instead of being seen as adversaries, regulators can act as partners, helping operators implement more effective harm prevention strategies.
Fostering Public Trust
One of the most overlooked benefits of educating regulators is the impact it has on public trust. When people see that gambling regulations are robust, consistent, and enforced by knowledgeable regulators, they’re more likely to trust the system. This trust is essential for the long-term health of the industry. If players believe they’re protected, they’re more likely to continue gambling in a responsible way. On the flip side, if regulations seem haphazard or poorly enforced, it can lead to a lack of confidence, and this would apply not just in the operators, but in the entire regulatory framework.
The Bigger Picture: Protecting Public Health
At the end of the day, responsible gambling isn’t just about protecting individuals only, it’s about protecting public health. Gambling-related harm is linked to a range of other issues, from mental health problems to financial instability, and a myriad of individuals such as family members are also impacted.
Regulators who are trained in the nuances of gambling harm can help implement policies that go beyond simply monitoring compliance. They can advocate for public health initiatives, work with community organizations, and help raise awareness about the risks associated with gambling. In the same way that regulators in the food or pharmaceutical industries are tasked with protecting public health, gambling regulators have a responsibility to do the same. And that responsibility starts with education.
Collaborating with organizations like SG:certified, who understand the importance of training and education for regulators and operators, can help simplify regulatory processes, create more effective compliance checks and align stakeholders toward a more sustainable and safer gambling environment.
Concluding remarks
Training regulators in the gambling industry and the dangers of gambling harm isn’t just a box to tick; it’s the foundation of better regulation. It allows them to stay ahead of industry changes, identify risks early, collaborate effectively with operators, and ultimately protect the public. In a world where the gambling landscape is evolving fast, well-educated regulators are the key to ensuring that this growth doesn’t come at the cost of public safety.
About SG:certified
SG:certified is on a mission to make the industry sustainable. It does so by providing a tried and tested centralised regulatory platform to gambling regulators, operators and B2B providers. The platform provides access to assessments, training and benchmarks and is supported by leading industry experts. The proven process takes companies from assessment to achieving any ESG, CSR, Responsible Gaming & Sustainability certification with ease. Sustainability is a journey. However, there is no need to reinvent the wheel to be the most effective. SG:certified aims to make your sustainability journey as impactful and efficient as it can be. To learn more, visit www.sgcertified.com or reach out at hello@sgcertified.com.
