Representatives from over 100 online gaming brands converged in London this week for the second annual training course in Responsible Gambling. Hosted by eCOGRA and the G4 Group, conference delegates are spending two days reviewing techniques for identifying problem gamblers, gambling motivations and characteristics and intervention methods. A series of role-playing exercises using the techniques discussed on the course is designed to increase delegates’ awareness. The event also gives gaming representatives the chance to exchange ideas on how to best implement responsible gambling practices.

The progress that the online casino industry as a whole has made so far toward responsible gambling practices was praised by course leaders Thomas Nilsson and Rob t'Hondt. t'Hondt expressed his admiration for many of the sites displaying eCOGRA’s “Play it Safe” seal, saying "It is amazing what you have achieved in implementing practical Responsible Gaming measures at your companies in the year that has passed since our first training course with eCOGRA. We are proud to be associated with your achievements and the respect for customers that this indicates.

t’Hondt went on to stay that regular training and review sessions are an important part of the G4 Group’s relationship with eCOGRA online casinos and poker rooms. "Your companies are setting respected standards in a stabilizing market, and we look forward to further progress in the coming year,” he said.
Thomas Nilson, a psychologist from Sweden, provided informative statistics on current levels of problem gambling. Nilson told attendees that surveys in which over 10,000 gamblers participated revealed that problem gambling amongst females has increased two percent. Men and women problem gamblers had different approaches toward gambling. Female players tend to prefer games such as slots and bingo, while male fans opt for the more traditional casino games such as poker and blackjack.
eCOGRA CEO Andrew Beveridge has stated that the organization intends to develop further initiatives for implementing responsible gaming strategies and standards at sites sporting the  "Play It Safe" seal. "Apart from the commercial imperative of operating in a responsible and caring manner, we have a moral obligation to do something concrete when it comes to problem gambling,” Beveridge said.

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