European Safer Gambling Week 2023: Gibraltar Joins Europe in a week of events

Nov 15

The European Safer Gambling Week 2023 organised by European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) “is an annual cross-border campaign to raise awareness about safer gambling in Europe. Established by EGBA in 2021, the initiative is supported by EGBA, its members, other gambling operators, and a group of European online gambling associations who come together each year to have open and honest conversations about safer gambling.” As part of the efforts to advocate for responsible gaming practices within the industry and beyond The Gibraltar Betting and Gaming Associatio (GBGA) and the Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming (CERG) organised a conference on November 14th at the prestigious Gibraltar University.

The occasion commenced with a warm welcome speech by Minister Nigel Feetham, the Minister of Gaming, who highlighted the pivotal role of the Gaming Industry in Gibraltar's economy and emphasized Gibraltar's unwavering commitment to safer gambling initiatives, Minister Feetham underscored the importance of fostering a culture that prioritizes player safety and responsible gaming.

One of the keynote sessions, "Gambling at the Workplace," presented by Zsolt Demetrovics from the University of Gibraltar, shed light on the critical impact of gambling-related issues within the professional environment. This insightful presentation delved into strategies and approaches to address and mitigate potential risks associated with gambling in the workplace.

Markus Neubauer, Regulatory Compliance Manager & Safer Gambling Ambassador at Lottoland, delivered a thought-provoking session titled "Bet on Safety: Best Practices for Protecting Employees from Gambling-Related Harm in the Industry." Neubauer's expertise provided invaluable insights into implementing proactive measures to safeguard employees from the adverse effects of gambling.

The event culminated in a dynamic roundtable discussion featuring esteemed industry experts, including Andrew Lyman (Executive Director, HM Government of Gibraltar’s Gambling Division and Gambling Commissioner), Pedro Romero (PHD Candidate at the Centre of Excellence in Responsible Gaming and Director at 'BetBlocker,' and 'Safer Gambling' Consultant), Ralph Lichtmannegger (Chief Compliance Officer, Mansion), and Kane Purdy (Director at Ballys and GBGA Board Member).

Nicholas Macias, Secretary General of the GBGA, adeptly moderated the discussion. The panel engaged in a vibrant exchange, addressing multifaceted aspects of responsible gaming, regulatory frameworks, and innovative strategies to ensure a safer gambling environment.

The collaboration between CERG and GBGA for this event exemplifies a collective commitment to promoting responsible gaming practices. The engaging sessions, expert insights, and collaborative discourse underscored the significance of fostering a culture of responsible gaming within Gibraltar's gaming industry.

This event not only served as a platform for knowledge exchange but also reinforced the collective resolve to continually enhance responsible gaming initiatives, emphasizing the welfare of players and the sustainability of the gaming industry.

The GBGA has also created a webpage with resources on about Safer Gambling and EGBA have a full agenda of activities from all participants which will be taking place during the course of the week.