RGA urges use of behavioural analytics to combat problem gambling

The Remote Gambling Association (RGA) has published good practice guidelines to help operators recognise problematic online gambling behaviour.

The guidelines encourage businesses to make use of behavioural analytics to identify and reach out to problem gamblers.

“Online gambling operators collect and retain a great deal of data about their customers,” The RGA said in a statement.

“It is incumbent on them to use that information to combat crime and provide a safer gambling environment for their customers.”

The guidelines primarily focus on making gaming safer, but “acknowledge that the gambling patterns of problem gamblers and those gambling using the proceeds of crime can be similar”.

The paper covers areas such as operator policies, markers of harm, customer interactions, recording and reporting, staff training, and evaluation.

Clive Hawkswood, RGA chief executive, said: “It is important to recognise that data and behavioural analytics are not a silver bullet that will solve all of the problems associated with minimising gambling-related harm online.

“However, their effective use will increasingly prove vital when seeking to achieve that.

“The use of data in this way is still in its early days and whatever the industry does now will undoubtedly improve with the benefit of additional research and shared learning.”