International Code of Conduct

In September 2008, Gamcare, eCOGRA, the Interactive Gaming Council, the Remote Gambling Association and the European Gaming and Betting Association adopted the international responsible gambling code of practice. The code means that the gambling industry and regulators is committed to:

  • high standards of probity and integrity within the betting and gaming industry.
  • social responsibility, effected through various means including support for charities working in the field of problem gambling.
The main points of this code are: UNDERAGE GAMBLING
  • Sites should implement security measures to prevent access to gambling products by underage players.
  • The homepage of a site should clearly display a ‘no under 18’s’ sign, which links through to a clear message about underage play.
  • The registration process should include a clear message regarding underage play.
  • The site’s responsible gambling page should provide a link to a recognised filtering programme to enable players/parents to prevent minors from accessing gambling sites.
  • Sites should post a clear policy for dealing with underage players.
  • A legal disclaimer should be displayed on the site that states that no player below the legal age of gambling is legally permitted to participate in internet gambling.

PLAYER PROTECTION MEASURES

  • The site’s homepage should contain a clear link to the Responsible Gambling Page, which should contain the following:
  • A warning that gambling could be harmful if not controlled and kept in moderation,
  • Advice on responsible gambling and a link to sources of help on problem gambling, including helpline numbers,
  • A link to an accepted and simple self-assessment process to determine risk potential,
  • A list of player protection measures that are available on the site and access to these measures,
  • Details or a link to the site’s responsible gambling policy.
  • Any downloaded gaming software should contain a clear reminder to the player about responsible gambling, and a link to the responsible gambling page.

SELF EXCLUSION

  • A player should be given the opportunity to self-exclude.
  • Procedures for self-exclusion should be clearly communicated to players on the website.
  • Self-exclusion should be for a minimum period of 6 months.
  • The site should also provide players with a ‘cooling off’ exclusion option.
  • Sites should take reasonable steps to ensure that a player who has used the self-exclusion option does not receive any promotional material during the exclusion period.
  • Once a player has selected the self-exclusion option, the account should be locked and any funds in the account paid out.

DEPOSIT LIMITS  

  • Players should be able to set their own deposit limits.
  • Sites should have systems in place to deal with deposit limit requests promptly.
  • If a player wants to increase a deposit limit previously set, there should be a minimum wait of 24 hours.
  • A request to decrease a deposit limit should be with immediate effect.

REALITY CHECKS  

  • A clearly visible clock should be available on the screen at all times.
  • The denomination of each credit should be clearly displayed on the games screen.

PLAYER ACCOUNTS  

  • Players should be able to access their account history dating back for a minimum period of 1 month, including all deposits, withdrawals and wagers.

FREE PLAY  

  • The free play games site should provide links to the same age restriction, responsible gambling and player protection information as the real money site.
  • The payout percentage for a particular game type in free play mode should be the same as the real money game.

GAME FAIRNESS  

  • Game rules should be made available to the player.
  • A game should follow a constant set of rules and shall at no time deviate from those rules.

CUSTOMER COMMUNICATION

  • Where convenient, direct communication with the player should carry a responsible gambling message as a footer.
  • Messages of site’s support of responsible gambling should not be misleading.

PLAYER DISPUTES

  • There should be an easy and obvious method on the site for players to submit complaints.

TRAINING

  • Appropriate personnel should be trained on the issues of problem gambling and refresher courses undertaken as and when needed.

ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION

  • Advertising and promotions content should be within the spirit of responsible gambling.
  • The placement and content of adverts should not target those under the age of 18.