Juegos Miami set to put responsible gambling on the national agenda

Discussing the need for national governments to be involved in the social responsibility aspects of gambling, O’Leary explained: “Responsible gambling is a global issue and so in context, it’s a national issue not just provincial in Latin American countries, for sure. There are many factors to think about in terms of creating a robust policy, from harm minimisation through to the education of players and research into gambling addiction.

“I spend a lot of time attending industry conferences around the globe as it is imperative to have these opportunities to meet industry and regulatory peers to discuss issues and trends in the sector. It is key that we all keep up to date and on top of any developments. Independent research is important but I find meeting up with the industry at these events is by far the most beneficial, especially at a high calibre event like Juegos Miami. Personal relationships and expanding the industry’s network are so important and it is easier to work with and cooperate with people one has built a rapport with, another reason why these face-to-face events are so key.”

O’Leary heads up Alderney Gambling working alongside the Alderney Gambling Control Commission in the Channel Islands, which is a top-tier regulatory jurisdiction of online gambling with excellent responsible gambling practices, and will be bringing her expertise to Juegos Miami focusing on creating programmes for victims of gambling addiction and working with national governments on social responsibility co-ordination. Commenting on lessons learned in the Channel Islands, she said: “The AGCC works closely with their licensees to help ensure responsible gambling practices are adopted and implemented. We work with lots of other jurisdictions through IAGR, GREFE and otherwise, I’d like to think the AGCC’s framework is the benchmark for social responsibility policy.

“In terms of deregulation possibilities in Latin America, I do believe a robust social responsibility commitment is key, but I’m not sure it will lead to deregulation. As you can see by the UKGC’s current actions the opposite is happening presently. However, it may prevent further regulation.”

Addressing gambling’s negative narrative around the world and how to tackle it, O’Leary explained: “It is an impossible task to harmonise the connotations of gambling in each jurisdiction as different factors are considered in many jurisdictions from social, moral, religious and political standpoints. However, responsible gambling and social responsibility policies adopted and implemented well, will go a long way to help ease the negativity.”

The extensive Juegos Miami 2018 program, which will take place across three days at The Biltmore in Miami, will enable operators, regulators and governments to rise to the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. To download the agenda, visit: https://www.juegosmiami.com/learning-program.

To apply for a place at Juegos Miami, which last year attracted exhibitors and representatives from a total of 44 countries, register at www.juegosmiami.com.