BGC Introduces New Protection Measures- Slower Spinning Cycles and Many More

As a part of their continuous efforts to make the industry a safer place, the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has recently presented a new code of conduct for the design of online games. The newest set of suggestions aims to increase the level of player safety and deal with problem gambling.

Among the proposed modification which should boost protection and safety are decreased spin speed, as well as banning several gaming features which have caused concern. Moreover, a better accent will be put on improved access to safer gambling information, which should minimize addiction and other related issues.

Michael Dugher, chief executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, commented on the newly-introduced code as follows:

“The BGC was set up last year with the aim of leading a race to the top in of standards within the regulated betting industry. The new Game Design Code of Conduct is yet another example of our determination to address concerns head-on and meet our safer gambling commitments.”

What Does the New Code of Conduct Bring?

The main aim of the code is to address concerns around player safety, which is a burning issue around the world. This will be made possible by ensuring that safer gambling principles are fully incorporated into the design of online games BEFORE they enter the market.

The new Game Design Code of Conduct….

… follows on from the Safer Gambling Commitments published by the BGC in 2019. Besides high level of commitment to driving up standards, the body will keep putting continuous efforts to maintain the industry safe and educate consumers.

Dugher pointed out:

“I’m sure that our will embrace this approach and commit to its objective of improving player safety. And as we prepare for the forthcoming Gambling Review, it is further evidence of our industry’s commitment to improving standards – unlike the completely unregulated black market.”

What are the most ground-breaking changes brought by the new code?

• Minimum game cycle speeds of 2.5 seconds
• The end of turbo play
• No more multi-slot play

By eliminating turbo…

… punters will no longer be able to speed up games, which will provide much better control over the course of the game. Plus, with multi-play ended, punters won’t be able to place multiple stakes on different releases at the same time.

All of these proposals will be in place by the end of this month.

More Measures to Be Implemented

Among other proposals, mandatory checks on players’ activity will also be executed, in order to introduce breaks in play. Just to stress out, the majority of operators already offer versatile tools that allow punters to set limits (for time and deposits), cool off, or self-exclude.

In addition to the abovementioned…

… the industry will explore ways to improve the labeling of games in order to increase players’ understanding of key . This will be performed by its game design research lab.

Furthermore, the BGC has also committed to cooperating with academics, regulators, consumers, and individuals with lived experience of betting-related harm to identify best practices in game design. This way, they will ensure the code is in line with changes in technology.

Source:

“BGC unveils changes to online game design- slower spin speeds, more checks on players and improved access to safer gambling information- in drive for higher standards”, bettingandgamingcouncil.com, September 25, 2020.