A new memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the AGA, ECA and BGC will focus on industry values and priorities. This includes illegal gambling, responsible gaming, innovation and security.
The MoU will create a platform for joint research projects so staff and members from each organisation can join together and share their experiences and expertise on gambling.
The first initiative under the new MoU will be a law enforcement round table, considering how to combat illegal gambling. Due to take place in January next year, this will bring together industry leaders, law enforcement officials and regulators.
Key topics will include the impact of illegal gambling on legal operators, consumer safety and the global financial system. The session will also consider strategies to improve cross-jurisdictional communication and developing actionable solutions to address the growing black market threat.
“Significant” step to address issues in gambling
Speaking on the new initiative, announced during the AGA’s Global Gaming Expo this week, AGA president and CEO Bill Miller said it represents a “significant step” in protecting consumers.
“By sharing our unique resources, we will expand our fight against illegal gambling to new fronts, work together to strengthen responsible gaming and innovate around business best practices,” Miller said.
“By fostering dialogue and cooperation across borders, the AGA, ECA and BGC are taking a proactive approach to safeguarding the integrity of the legal gaming industry and ensuring its continued growth and success.”
ECA chairman Erwin van Lambaart also welcomed the MoU. He said the planned joint efforts will help tackle key issues facing all gambling industry stakeholders.
“The ECA fully backs this initiative and supports the ongoing efforts to rigorously combat illegality within our industry, continuously strengthen player protections and security and ensure the creation of an environment that fosters innovation and growth within the gaming community,” van Lambaart said.
BGC CEO Grainne Hurst added that the partnership marks a “new chapter” in a shared vision to build a trusted and sustainable betting and gaming industry.
“BGC members are rightly proud of their reputation as global leaders and they know the power of collaboration,” Hurst said.
“Working together with the AGA and ECA, I am confident our shared knowledge and expertise will be vital to bolstering safer gambling standards while tackling the threat of the growing and unsafe unregulated gambling black market in the UK.”