Tuesday 4th March London: Inspired Gaming and SG Gaming, the leading suppliers of gaming technology and machines in the UK, welcome the launch of the first phase of responsible gambling measures on Category B2/B3 gaming machines in bookmakers, and call for the mandatory introduction of these measures across all categories of UK gambling.
Luke Alvarez, CEO and Founder of Inspired Gaming, said: “We do not want problem gamblers playing on any of our machines and the new measures are a positive first step in our long-term development roadmap to better protect the 0.5% of problem gamblers in the UK and to minimise the risks to all gamblers.
“However, it makes no sense to target bookmakers’ machines specifically – those vulnerable to addiction will still be at risk with other venues, products and channels and we urge the Government and Regulator to work with stakeholders on how it can develop the concepts and learnings from the ABB Code for Responsible Gambling and Player Protection (ABB Code) across all UK land-based and online products.”
Steve Frater, Chairman of SG Gaming, said: “We are committed to providing a fun leisure experience for those who enjoy playing on machines, whilst developing new ways to protect those who are at risk of harm. We have been able to develop and deploy new player protection measures in under five months since the publication of the ABB Code in September but see this as only the first step in achieving world leading player protection software through continuing research and development.”
Inspired Gaming and SG Gaming supply technology and machines to UK bookmakers including William Hill, Ladbrokes, Coral, Betfred, Paddy Power and hundreds of Independent bookmakers. Working closely with the Association of British Bookmakers (ABB), problem gambling academics, and bookmakers, Inspired Gaming and SG Gaming have designed on-machine technology solutions to achieve the objectives of the ABB Code.
Key points about the new Responsible Gambling measures in bookmakers:
- Introduces enforced breaks for customers on gaming machines with automatic on-screen alerts about the money and time spent
- Players can self-set customisable time and/or spend limits at the start of their session and will receive an on-screen alert about the money and time spent once limits are reached
- Staff are notified via the cashier system when any limits are reached, allowing for human intervention, and staff will be receiving comprehensive responsible gambling training
- Described by academic experts as ‘world-leading harm minimisation measures’
- Code came into effect March 1
For more information about this press release, please contact:
Lucy Buckley, Marketing Director, Inspired Gaming: [email protected] / +44 207 438 5800
Jude Milne, Marketing Manager, SG Gaming: [email protected] / +44 208 580 6210
For more information about the ABB Code, please refer to: http://backyourlocalbookie.co.uk/campaign/new-abb-code-for-responsible-gambling-and-player-protection-2013/
Michael Hawes, E: [email protected], T: 0207 842 0155
Adam Jones, E: [email protected], T: 0207 936 0526
About Inspired Gaming Group
Inspired Gaming Group (Inspired) is a leading supplier worldwide of Server Based Gaming (SBG), VLT and Virtual Sports systems and games for VLT, lottery, casino, street, bingo and sports betting locations.
The Group’s unique Open SBG Core™ software systems, terminals and Virtual Sports products are live in over 30 countries. It is one of the three leading VLT suppliers to Italian lotteries and betting shops. Its Virtual Sports products are deployed in 35 countries and are the leading online, mobile and land-based games in their category worldwide.
In the UK, Inspired supplies over 30,000 server-based gaming machines to bookmakers, adult gaming centres (AGC), bingo halls, and casinos. UK and international customers include major regulated gaming companies such as Sisal, Lottomatica, William Hill, Gala Coral Group, Betfred, Ladbrokes, Genting, Paddy Power, Codere, Sky Vegas, PartyGaming, Fortuna, bet365 and Caliente.
www.inspiredgaminggroup.com
About SG Gaming:
SG Gaming is a division of Scientific Games Corporation, consisting of three wholly owned subsidiaries – Global Draw Limited, Games Media Limited and Barcrest Group Limited. SG Gaming develops and supplies gaming content, terminals, systems and support services to U.K. leisure and entertainment industries including licensed betting offices, arcades, bingo clubs and the interactive sector. For more information, please visit www.sg-gaming.com.
About Scientific Games:
Scientific Games Corporation is a leading developer of technology-based products and services and associated content for worldwide gaming and lottery markets. The Company’s portfolio includes instant and draw-based lottery games; electronic gaming machines and game content; server-based lottery and gaming systems; sports betting technology; loyalty and rewards programs; and social, mobile and interactive content and services. For more information, please visit: www.scientificgames.com.
