BGC Introduces Global Best Practice Guide for Regulating Online Gambling

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has launched an International Best Practice Guide aimed at global policymakers, offering crucial policy insights for regulating the online gambling sector. Developed in collaboration with consulting firm Alvarez and Marsal, the guide presents a comprehensive comparison of regulatory strategies across various markets, providing a valuable evidence base for analysis.

Grainne Hurst, CEO of BGC, emphasized the guide's significance:

"For the first time, the BGC has brought together the lessons, both positive and negative, which have been learned by operators and regulators around the world when it comes to the online gaming sector." She highlighted the benefits of effective regulation, noting, "Through effective regulation of this new growth sector, governments can achieve their core priorities of raising tax, boosting growth and jobs, while delivering high standards for player protection."

The guide outlines key regulatory objectives, including:

1. High Channelisation: Encouraging gambling within regulated markets to ensure player safety.
2. Consumer Protection: Implementing stringent measures to protect young and vulnerable individuals.
3. Preserving Consumer Choice: Maintaining market competition and variety.
4. Keeping Gambling Crime-Free: Ensuring integrity in sports betting and gaming.
5. Raising Tax Revenue: Motivating operators to invest in local markets and contribute to the economy.

Hurst pointed to the positive outcomes of balanced regulation in the UK, where the sector generates billions in taxes and investments, supporting tens of thousands of jobs. She also warned of the dangers posed by overly restrictive regulation, which could drive players towards unsafe, illegal gambling markets—an ongoing concern in the UK, where over 1.5 million players reportedly spend £4.3 billion annually on illicit services.

Pierre Tournier, BGC International Director, described the online gaming landscape as "complex" with diverse regulatory options. "For too long, there has been a crucial evidence gap when those choices are considered by policymakers," he stated, expressing hope that the guide would help bridge this gap. "Drawing on the lessons from around the world, operators and policymakers can take a global view of the pitfalls and benefits of different approaches and make better policy decisions as a result."

The International Best Practice Guide aims to inform and influence policy decisions, fostering safer, regulated markets while addressing the risks of illegal gambling worldwide.