On April 23, the National Council on Problem Gambling published a set of standards it feels should be a part of all regulatory systems for internet gambling.
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) does not advocate that internet gambling should be prohibited. Instead, the organization argues that legalization of internet gambling should be accompanied by standards which mitigate the negative social effects of gambling.
“The most ethical and cost effective response to gambling addition issues raised by internet gambling is a comprehensive public health strategy that includes prevention, education, treatment, enforcement and research services,” according to NCPG.
NCPG developed its standards after studying gambling regulatory codes from around the world and gathering empirical evidence and feedback from experts in the field. The organization also considered laws covering the online purchase of other age-controlled products such as alcohol and tobacco.
NCPG is an important political player because it is the largest organization that lobbies for programs and services to assist problem gamblers and their families. NCPG spokespersons are frequently invited to offer testimony to Congress and state legislatures.
NCPG’s “Internet Responsible Gambling Standards” are contained in a brief 7-page document (.pdf).
Below is an outline of the standards:
- Policy
- Policy commitment to responsible gambling
- Strategy for responsible gambling
- Support
- Staff Training
- Corporate policy
- Training
- Informed Decision Making
- Information about gambling
- Personalized information
- Limit setting
- Time out
- Assisting players
- Policies
- Responding to information requests
- Self-exclusion
- Self-exclusion
- Self-exclusion policies
- Exclusion length
- Communication with players
- Access to help
- Conditions of exclusions
- Enforcement
- Reinstatement
- Renewal
- Advertising and promotion
- Advertising policy statement
- Game and site Features
- Passage of time
- Display cash
- Game features
- New features
- Registration
- Multiple accounts
- Free games
- Encouragement to retreat
- Underage gambling
- Credit
- Research
- Transparency