The American Gaming Association (AGA), the European Casino Association (ECA) and the Betting & Gaming Council (BGC) have entered into a tripartite partnership to address some of the key issues facing the global gaming market, including the illegal sector.
AGA, ECA and BGC join forces
A new memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the AGA, ECA and BGC will focus on the sector’s values and priorities. This includes illegal gambling, responsible gambling, innovation and safety.
The MoU will create a platform for joint research projects. This way, teams and members from each organization will be able to come together and share their experiences and knowledge about games.
Therefore, the first initiative of the new MoU will be a roundtable on law enforcement, analyzing how to combat illegal gambling. Scheduled for January next year, it will bring together industry leaders, law enforcement and regulatory authorities.
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 communication between jurisdictions and develop actionable solutions to address the growing black market threat.
Joint effort to combat illegal gambling
Speaking about 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 best business practices,” said Miller.
“In promoting cross-border dialogue and cooperation, the AGA, ECA and BGC are taking a proactive approach. The goal is to protect the integrity of the legal gaming sector and ensure its continued growth and success.”
Thus, ECA President Erwin van Lambaart also welcomed the MoU. He said the planned joint efforts will help resolve key issues faced by all stakeholders in the gambling sector.
“ECA fully supports this initiative and the ongoing efforts to rigorously combat illegality in our sector. We need to continually strengthen player protection and safety. Therefore, we have to ensure that we create an environment that promotes innovation and growth in the gaming community,” said van Lambaart.
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 sector.
“BGC members are proud of their reputation as global leaders and know the power of collaboration,” said Hurst.
“Working together with the AGA and ECA, I am confident that our shared knowledge and experience will be vital in reinforcing safer sports betting standards. In this way, we will combat the threat of the growing and unsafe illegal gambling market in the UK.”