Trade associations renew call for safer gambling advertising as second lockdown looms
EGBA and BGC among 15 bodies calling for focus on RG in marketing material during second wave of Covid-19
Fifteen of Europe’s largest online gambling trade associations have renewed their commitment to safer gambling as the continent looks set to enter a second Covid-19 lockdown.
Trade associations including the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA), Danish Online Gambling Association, Speel Verantwoord, BAGO and French trade body ARJEL initially teamed up to produce joint guidance for operators on marketing material during lockdown in March.
The trade bodies were responding to reports across several European jurisdictions of Covid-19-themed advertising, a strategy the group strongly opposed.
However, with Covid-19 cases once again on the rise across Europe, the group has expressed concern that these practices could re-emerge should large scale lockdowns be enforced.
“The reintroduction of more severe restrictions could again lead to citizens spending prolonged periods at home and raises concerns that isolation could increase the risks of addictive behaviours, including those related to gambling,” the trade combo claimed.
“Gambling companies should therefore be vigilant to promote safer gambling and protect their customers, particularly those who are vulnerable, during these difficult times,” it added.
The joint guidance states that operator ads should not refer to the coronavirus, public health statements and/or any other coronavirus-related developments.
It also includes guidance on measures operators should take to combat gambling-related harm, including age-gaiting, robust identity verification measures, increased monitoring and signposting to safer gambling tools where appropriate.
“The reintroduction of coronavirus restrictions poses significant challenges for Europe’s society,” EGBA secretary general Maarten Haijer said.
“This guidance is intended to help fellow citizens and provides an opportunity for gambling companies to demonstrate their willingness to take responsibility during these challenging times.
“These are simple but essential measures which all gambling companies should adopt to protect their customers, step up their social responsibility efforts and ensure their advertising is conducted in an ethical and responsible way. We urge all online gambling companies to adhere to them,” Haijer added.