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.

Enhanced regulatory measures to protect vulnerable groups in the gambling sector

Between January 1, 2024, and October 10, 2024, the National Revenue Agency (NRA) reinforced its commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals through increased inspections of betting and gambling establishments nationwide. By conducting checks at 129 locations, the NRA emphasized adherence to the ban on providing gambling services to individuals listed in the register of vulnerable persons, as outlined in Article 10g of the Gambling Act.

This register, established to protect individuals at risk of gambling addiction, requires operators to deny access to gaming facilities and online platforms to those listed. The NRA continues its commitment to enforcing the law and safeguarding vulnerable groups through regular inspections and monitoring of the gambling sector.

These actions align with the NRA’s and the government’s intensified efforts to promote responsible gaming practices and limit opportunities for at-risk individuals to participate in gambling. Strict control mechanisms have been introduced for operators in the gambling sector, forming part of a broader initiative to regulate and safeguard public health.

Responsible Gaming Foundation to Participate in European Safer Gambling Week 2024

The Responsible Gaming Foundation will participate in the European Safer Gambling Week (ESGW24), which will take place from November 18 to 24, 2024. The event is organized by the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) and aims to raise awareness about responsible gambling and player protection in the gaming sector.

Last year’s campaign brought together over 160 partners from 20 European countries and reached millions of people through social media and local events. This year, EGBA aims for even greater participation and impact, encouraging the organization of events, training, and discussions related to safer gambling.

The Responsible Gaming Foundation will once again take part in ESGW24, supporting initiatives that promote safer and more responsible practices within the gaming industry. The foundation remains committed to raising awareness and improving player protection in Bulgaria. By encouraging players to gamble within their limits and providing resources to those at risk, the foundation aims to reduce gambling-related harm and foster a safer, more sustainable gaming environment.