Bournemouth University, in collaboration with a charitable organization, sponsored research aimed at creating a safer online gambling environment. The resulting paper presents a series of recommendations for the industry and stakeholders, emphasizing the crucial need for greater transparency. In response to this, Bournemouth University has developed a comprehensive “checklist for transparency,” addressing key aspects that contribute to a safer gambling experience.
Key Recommendations and the Transparency Checklist:
The research underscores the importance of accurate and transparent information about the probability of winning in online games. Bournemouth University’s checklist for transparency includes recommendations for operators to provide clear explanations of game mechanics and to ensure readily available information on safer gambling tools. The checklist further emphasizes the importance of transparent communication regarding the collection and use of customer data. Additional items in the checklist include accurate advertising and a clear delineation of responsibilities among government entities, operators, and individuals.
Prominence of Safer Gambling Links:
The university recommends that operators prioritize the visibility of safer gambling links, ensuring they are clear and prominent. The report suggests that icons directing users to safer gambling information should have easily accessible, working links. To enhance user awareness, the report advises against relegating safer gambling content to the bottom of webpages and emphasizes the importance of presenting this information in a legible text size, consistent with the rest of the web content.
Enhancing Safer Gambling Content:
Bournemouth University’s research notes that current safer gambling content often appears in a “boring, text-heavy” format. To address this, the report suggests incorporating more engaging elements such as videos and images. By diversifying content presentation, operators can create a more engaging and accessible environment for users seeking information on safer gambling practices.
GambleAware CEO’s Response:
Zoë Osmond, CEO of GambleAware, commended the report’s important recommendations for operators to prioritize and emphasize safer gambling messages on their websites. She stressed the urgency of the UK Government publishing the gambling White Paper to address these concerns promptly. Osmond emphasized the research’s role in underscoring the need for timely regulatory measures to prevent further gambling harm.
Bournemouth University’s research and transparency checklist offer valuable insights into creating a safer online gambling environment. By emphasizing accurate information, transparent communication, and enhanced visibility of safer gambling links, the recommendations provide a roadmap for operators to prioritize player safety. The report’s call for engaging content presentation aligns with the broader industry goal of promoting responsible gambling practices. As stakeholders consider these recommendations, there is a collective responsibility to implement measures that safeguard users and contribute to a more transparent and responsible online gambling landscape.