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Overview of the Activities of the Responsible Gaming Foundation in 2024

In 2024, the Responsible Gaming Foundation (RGF) continued to play a key role in promoting responsible gambling behaviour in Bulgaria. The foundation organized educational initiatives, webinars, and events at both national and international levels.

This year, RGF advanced its “On Focus: Responsible Gaming” initiative, which included a series of educational webinars aimed at both the general public and professionals in the gaming industry. These initiatives highlighted the importance of responsible gambling policies and best practices in the sector.

The foundation was actively involved in the European Safer Gambling Week (ESGW24). Among its initiatives was a webinar titled “Youth and Gambling: Approaches to Support and Prevention”. Held on November 19, the event emphasized raising awareness among young people about gambling risks and provided tools to encourage responsible behaviour. The RGF webinar was featured in the official agenda of the European Gambling and Betting Association (EGBA), offering a platform for professionals and organizations to share best practices.

In 2024, Rossi McKee, the founder and chairperson of RGF, participated in a panel discussion at the international forum SiGMA East Europe in Budapest. She discussed new regulatory developments in Bulgaria that emphasize responsible gaming and consumer protection. McKee stressed the importance of operators integrating responsible gaming practices into their business models, which not only align with regulations but also foster player loyalty.

For the second consecutive year, the Case Study Challenge was held among operators in Bulgaria. This initiative focused on technological solutions for preventing gambling addiction, featuring leading companies such as Palms Bet, Alphawin, and Topwin. The participants’ projects were evaluated by an international jury, which recognized the best practices.

RGF also partnered with EEGS – Masterclass 2024, focusing on the prevention of gambling addiction among employees. The event brought together managers, specialists, and leaders from leading companies to discuss best practices, strategies, and solutions for creating a healthier workplace culture. Speakers Anelia Miteva, Pavel Pavlov, and Robert Mabbett provided valuable guidance on early risk detection and effective employee support.

At the end of the year, the prestigious BEGE Awards 2024 highlighted the importance of responsible behaviour in the gaming industry and supported the Responsible Gaming Foundation by placing special emphasis on social responsibility.

In 2025, the Responsible Gaming Foundation will continue to advocate for responsible practices in the gaming industry by supporting educational initiatives to prevent gambling addiction. The foundation will maintain collaboration with operators, regulators, and other organizations to create a safe and sustainable gaming environment, with a focus on player protection and social responsibility throughout the sector.

Responsible Gambling Foundation Partners with EEGS – Masterclass 2024

On November 25, 2024, the Masterclass on “The Role of Employers in Preventing Gambling Addiction Among Employees” was held at the Black & White Club. The event was organized with the support of the Responsible Gambling Foundation and attracted managers, HR specialists, team leaders, and senior executives from leading companies.

The main goal of the event was to provide practical knowledge and solutions for preventing the risks of gambling addiction among employees. The program began with a discussion on myths and facts about addiction, an analysis of risk factors in the workplace, and case studies from the gambling industry. Speakers Anelia Miteva and Pavel Pavlov offered valuable insights and strategies to support employees and build a healthier work culture.

In the second part, participants had the opportunity to join an online presentation led by Robert Mabbett, Engagement Director at Better Change. He focused on the responsibilities of employers in the gambling industry, emphasizing the importance of early recognition of signs of gambling addiction and the need for managerial support.

The Masterclass, held in partnership with SBC, has become a platform for sharing best practices and ideas in the field of responsible gambling. The event was not only educational but also inspiring, encouraging participants to apply the learned concepts to create a safe and supportive work environment.

The webinar by the “Responsible Gaming Foundation” featured in EGBA’s program during European Responsible Gaming Week

As part of European Responsible Gaming Week 2024 (ERGW24), the “Responsible Gaming Foundation” hosted a webinar titled “”Safely Sailing. Helping young people to cope with gambling temptation and excessive gaming.” The event, included in the official agenda of the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA), highlighted the importance of awareness and prevention among young people.

Held on November 19, the webinar explored strategies to support young individuals in making informed decisions while addressing the risks associated with gambling and excessive gaming. Experts shared valuable tools and methods to encourage responsible behavior and help young people maintain a healthy balance between gaming and other aspects of life.

European Responsible Gaming Week 2024 (November 18–24) served as a platform for professionals, organizations, and industry experts to exchange best practices in safer gambling. The inclusion of the “Responsible Gaming Foundation” webinar in EGBA’s official program underscores the foundation’s pivotal role in advancing responsible gambling initiatives and fostering a safer gaming environment for all.

Licensed operators presented their technological solutions for preventing gambling addiction

This year, the initiative “In Focus: Responsible Gaming,” organized by the Responsible Gaming Foundation, focused on the topic of “Technological Solutions for Preventing Gambling Addiction.” The event, held for the second consecutive year, brought together representatives from leading companies in the gaming industry, including Palms Bet, Alphawin, and Topwin. Participants presented their case studies, showcasing innovative approaches and best practices for responsible gaming.

The event was opened by Rossi McKee, founder of the Responsible Gaming Foundation, who emphasized the importance of technology as a tool for prevention. She expressed confidence that through innovative solutions and collaboration among companies, significant progress can be made in mitigating the risks of gambling addiction.

An international jury, composed of leading experts in the field, evaluated the participants’ projects. Among them were Zoran Puhac, Secretary-General of the European Organization for Gaming Law; Pieter Remmer, Secretary-General of the European Association for the Study of Gambling and founder of Assissa Consultancy Europe; Angel Iribozov, Chairman of the Bulgarian Gaming Industry Association; Dr. Viera Gancheva, Chairperson of the Forum for Sustainable Development FOCUS Foundation; Dr. Maris Catania, psychologist, safer gambling consultant, and researcher; and Marian Mihaila, Responsible Gaming Manager at the global level from Romania. Each provided their assessments and feedback to the participants, analysing key aspects of the presented programs.

The award for best practice was announced by Dr. Viera Gancheva, with the first place going to Topwin for their commitment and innovative approach to the topic. The certificates for participants, as well as the award, were presented by Rossi McKee, who expressed gratitude to everyone for their efforts and contributions to the development of responsible gaming in the industry.

BEGE Awards 2024 support the cause of the “Responsible Gaming” Foundation

This year, the prestigious BEGE Awards in the gaming industry will focus on social responsibility, highlighting responsible gaming as the main theme of the event. Through this gesture, the organisers of the BEGE Expo and the accompanying EEGS conference aim to raise awareness of the importance of responsible behaviour and support existing initiatives in this area, such as those of the “Responsible Gaming” Foundation.

During the awards ceremony, a charity raffle with prizes will be held, and guests will be able to purchase tickets. Funds raised from the raffle will be allocated to projects and programs that promote and support best practices for responsible gaming in Bulgaria. This includes educational campaigns, resources to prevent problem gambling, and support for organisations working towards the industry’s sustainable development.

The BEGE Awards is one of the most prestigious events in the gaming sector in Europe. It also demonstrates the industry’s commitment to a socially responsible approach.