Ultimately, iGaming Ontario wants to create an open and competitive online gambling market that minimizes potential harm and promotes a responsible environment. That means the elimination of inappropriate advertising practices that target minors, are false and deceptive or promote excessive play.
It also means preventing private online casinos from allowing players to play excessively, mandating those casinos make players aware of the risks involved with problem gambling and the options available to help with self-control. Finally, privately run online casinos will be forced to implement various responsible gaming controls. Here’s a look at some of the province’s proposed standards for internet gaming as they pertain to responsible gambling.
Private operators, the OLG and iGaming Ontario will all need to implement and follow policies and procedures that identify, prevent and minimize the risks of harm from gaming to players. These policies and procedures will be reviewed and evaluated regularly and staff will be trained on their content and application.
Advertising, marketing materials and communications will not be allowed to target or appeal to high-risk, underage or self-excluded players. Marketing, advertising and promotions will not be allowed to mislead players or misrepresent online gambling in any way, including making it look like a viable job, investment opportunity or a road to financial security. Well-known personalities or celebrities cannot be involved in advertising suggesting online gambling has contributed to their success in any way. Plus, the advertising and marketing of things that are considered gambling inducements, like bonuses and credits, are prohibited everywhere except on an operator’s website.
Private operators will need to implement a systematic approach toward informing players and encouraging them to play safer. That means information about how games work, including the risks involved and common misconceptions about those risks. Plus, operators must outline how responsible gambling tools work.
Private operators will need to put a mechanism in place to monitor player risk profiles and behaviours, so they can detect signs of problem gambling and systematically provide assistance. Plus, live customer support with responsible gambling policy training must be made available 24/7.
Private operators will need to put a mechanism in place to monitor player risk profiles and behaviours, so they can detect signs of problem gambling and systematically provide assistance. Plus, live customer support with responsible gambling policy training must be made available 24/7.