At a responsible gambling training course held in London by eCommerce and Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance (eCOGRA) and the G4 responsible gaming specialist group, management representatives from 100 top of the line online casinos were in attendance. The training course was the second annual one of its kind to take place and, according to G4 course leaders, Thomas Nilsson and Rob t'Hondt, was a great success. Nilsson and t’Hondt have been reviewing responsible gaming measures implemented at eCOGRA "Play It Safe" seal sites and teaching delegates the difficulties of dealing with problem gambling. t'Hondt said: "It is amazing what you have achieved in implementing practical Responsible Gaming measures at your companies in the year that has passed since our first training course with eCOGRA, and we are proud to be associated with your achievements and the respect for customers that this indicates.” t Hondt’ further added: "Regular training and review sessions are now a part of our association with eCOGRA online casinos and poker rooms, and we look forward to continued close interaction in the future. Your commitment to Responsible Gaming has entailed expense and hard work, but this is an investment that will improve rewards for both your customers and yourselves in the years ahead.” The G4 course leader concluded his comments by saying: "Your companies are setting respected standards in a stabilizing market, and we look forward to further progress in the coming year." Thomas Nilsson, a Swedish psychologist, told the attendees about the results of a recent survey of 10,000 gamblers in England, explaining that the results indicated an increase in the number of female problem gamblers among the approximately 2 percent of gamblers who had experienced problems. Studies have shown that men and women have different gambling preferences. Men tend to prefer those games involving a combination of skill and luck such as poker and black jack, whereas women lean more toward games like bingo, keno and slots. Nilsson also noted that there was a growing endorsement among players for the Canadian Problem Gambling Index (CPGI) - a self-appraisal test for gamblers who suspect they may be developing a problem. In addition, Nilsson pointed out that international jurisdictions and responsible gaming bodies were closely monitoring the development and consultations on the UK Gambling Act because it was expected that the final UK regulations on responsible gambling would influence many regulators. The training seminar focused on gambler motivations and characteristics, practical procedures and interventions in problem gambling issues, techniques for identifying problem gamblers and role-playing exercises using the techniques taught during the course. A noteworthy aspect of the course was the opportunity provided for delegates to exchange ideas, procedures and opinions on best practice approaches to effective Responsible Gaming. Andrew Beveridge, eCOGRA’s CEO, said that new eGAP standards had been introduced during the year, and that it was eCOGRA’s intention to raise the industry bar through the use and practical implementation of Responsible Gaming strategies at sites qualifying for the coveted eCOGRA "Play It Safe" seal. "Apart from the commercial imperative of operating in a responsible and caring manner, we have a moral obligation to do something concrete when it comes to problem gambling, and we can stop any negative perceptions by our best practice standards and actions," said Beveridge. "There are few, if indeed any online gambling companies that can now match the measures that you have put in place, and we hope that this leadership position will continue." Posted on: June 15, 2006
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