The Consumer Protection Zone, located in Hall S9, provided a focal point for non-profit and for-profit organisations which put responsible gaming and consumer protection at the core of their business. Exhibitors included Gamblewise, GamCare, Gambling Therapy and the YGAM (the Young Gamblers Education Trust).
The zone also hosted seminars discussing aspects of responsible gaming such as Customer Monitoring and Transparency, Interaction and Intervention and Self-Exclusion and Blocking.
The area was launched in 2018 at ICE London to highlight responsible gambling within player journeys, from the moment games are designed, through to gameplay monitoring, interaction, intervention, and, if required, self-exclusion and blocking.
Andy Mergett, a Facilitator for YGAM and former gambling addict, said it is important for the industry to gain insight from problem gamblers themselves. Mergett placed his last bet in 2007, but now works with YGAM, which aims to inform, educate and safeguard young people against gambling or social gambling.
Mergett said opportunities for gambling are everywhere for young people, but they are given little education on the risks. “There are education programmes delivered to young people on the dangers of alcohol and drugs, it’s vital that we work with and within the industry to provide an education on the dangers of problem gambling,” he added.
YGAM was established just four years ago. It works to prevent problem gambling through delivering training workshops to teachers, probation officers, youth workers and other vulnerable groups and Peer Mentor projects, which train students to deliver awareness programmes and campaigns to their peers.
Robert Mabbett of Gambling Therapy added that the area had been constantly busy with visitors and operators keen to learn more about promoting responsible gambling.
Source: GMB / ICE London
