In this exclusive Safer Gambling Week interview with Matthew Hickey, we delve into the critical issues that impact the industry and explore the potential of emerging technologies to enhance player protection.

What are the biggest challenges facing responsible gambling today, and how can we address them?

There are a number of risks I'm particularly worried about that face the sector, I'm most concerned that the sector through tighter regulation, affordability checks and the like is facing massive issues from the blackmarket, losing customers to easier-to-engage sites, with no checks in place. This will have a major impact on keeping customers safe, ensuring that they are supported and creating many more gambling addicts.

How can we improve player protection measures, especially for vulnerable groups?

I do feel we need to be much better earlier on in a customers’ relationship with their gambling, in holding their hand. Through the right communication, soft education, and light tough support in the early days, we will build understanding and education across the board. Prevention/early intervention is key, and through that we will ensure that people that do choose to gamble do so in an entertaining and enjoyable way, whether they are a vulnerable group or not.

What are the most promising innovations in responsible gambling technology, and how can we leverage them to create a safer gaming environment?

I have been working with a number of safer gambling tools recently, and as such have a decent understanding of what is going on. The one that really stands out for me is Evive, which is an innovative digital health platform designed to reduce gambling-related harm by offering personalized, evidence-based support for individuals across the gambling spectrum. Utilizing customized behavioural tracking, engaging educational content, and personalized insights, it empowers users to better understand their own relationship with gambling, then set and achieve their own goals.

Quelle: Chevron Consultants