GamCare to launch safer gambling standard and new kite mark

Problem gambling association GamCare is preparing the launch of a new Safer Gambling Statndard in which operators are awarded a new kite mark for meeting and going beyond the required gambling industry Codes of Practice.

The award of the kite mark relies on twelve sets of principles for social responsibility across online, B2C and land-based operations and will be launched at the much anticipated, upcoming industry exhibition ICE London 2019 from within the Consumer Protection Zone.

GamCare Development Director, Mike Kenward:

“ICE London is the heart of the industry and THE place where the conversation around consumer protection and customer welfare should be happening. We will be announcing the full rollout of our new standard in the Consumer Protection Zone where operators should be heading in order to focus on protecting their customers and sustaining their business.”

“There’s never been a better time for companies to focus on their processes and we’re hoping the industry will embrace the Safer Gambling Standard, not just because it’s the right thing to do from an ethical point of view but it’s also right from a business standpoint too.

The new accreditation has been designed to review policy and procedures, digital interactions and corporate governance and culture with staff throughout the company, not just the customer facing team members.

“For responsible gambling measures to be effective, it is essential that they are integrated into organisational culture and flow throughout the organisation. Our new standard focuses on the totality of an operation, from board members and directors down to the front line,” Kenward said.

In related news, GamCare has renewed its partnership with St Mungo’s Recovery College for another six-week recovery course from 31st January 2019.

The course is open to those who want to stop gambling as well as those who hope to control and reduce their gambling.

Modules will explore what can lead to problem gambling, how to cope with situations that usually lead to gambling in a different way, how to minimise the harm caused by problem gambling and how to prevent and manage relapses.

The new weekly course, run by the GamCare team, will take place on Thursdays from 31st January – 7th March 2019, from 5.30pm – 7pm.