The self regulatory body eCommerce and Online Gaming, Regulation and Assurance launched, in collaboration with the G4 responsible gambling group, a major initiative barring underage aspirant players and protecting addicted gamblers from harming themselves financially.
The 56 major online casinos and poker rooms bearing the eCOGRA\’s seal will be required to carry a prominent Responsible Gaming section in which the dangers of underage and problem gambling are explained.
7 day “cooling off,” 6 month self-exclusion or deposit limiting mechanisms will be provided for gamblers who suspect they may be in difficulties.
Staff will be trained to identify playing and financial patterns that may indicate an addictive gambler.
Special attention is being devoted to preventing underage gamblers from getting through the casinos\’ screening processes, using the latest technology, ID techniques and strong warnings that underage players will be disqualified and barred.
The new requirements caution marketing departments of seal casinos against sending any promotional or marketing literature to any player who may be a problem gambler or using media primarily targeted on teenagers.
“Play for free” games on the sites will be linked to the same age restriction, responsible gaming and player protection information as the “real money” sections.
CEO Andrew Beveridge said that the new initiative is one of the most comprehensive and widespread responsible gambling efforts yet seen in the online gambling industry.
“We\’re very serious about this, and have the full backing of our seal casinos.”
“Once the regulations have been implemented the independent accounting firms on our Audit Panel will be paying particular attention to the consistent application of these rules by seal casinos,” he said.
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