A robust Responsible Gambling strategy is a key feature of any online gambling market to protect vulnerable consumers from problem gambling. Now iGaming Ontario has made a decision to integrate the respected Responsible Gambling Council accreditation program with their own licensing conditions.
This means any operator or game supplier wishing to take bets in the new Ontario market – due for launch on 4th April – will need to have accreditation from the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC).
The RGC has already played a key part in establishing a responsible gambling framework in the offline environment in Ontario. Since 2010 their RG Check program has accredited land-based casinos and enabled them to better protect their customers through evaluation and management of their commitments to responsible gambling.
As well as accreditation becoming integral to the licensing process, the RGC’s own remit will expand in the future to include public education programs too.
The CEO at RGC, Shelley White, said; “RG Check is the preeminent responsible gambling accreditation that is used by jurisdictions around the world to ensure the operators are committed to and can demonstrate that they have the highest degree of gambling safeguards in place. This is a clear and tangible signal of the government’s commitment to making public protection and sustainable play a priority and a key part of creating a culture of responsible gambling here in Ontario.
“This is also a key step in helping operators address the unique risks and harms associated with online gambling and RGC looks forward to continuing to work closely with iGO and the government on the implementation of the RG Check iGaming accreditation program and on implementing additional measures, including public education campaigns, to build a world class responsible gambling framework in Ontario.”
Martha Otton, Executive Director of iGaming Ontario, said: “We are extremely pleased to be partnering with RGC on this initiative. The RG Check program is comprised of nine standards and 48 criteria that measure the scope and effectiveness of operators’ RG programming in areas such as site and product design, marketing communications and assisting players who may be experiencing harm from gambling. This allows Ontarians to play with confidence.”
Excitement around the launch of the new Ontario iGaming market is building and new licensees are announced every day. Big names ready to take bets in the province include 888, Leo Vegas, Bet365 and BetRivers.
Keep reading our news page for the latest about licensed Ontario Casinos.
FURTHER READING
Responsible Gambling Council Press Release
Responsible Gambling Council Website
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