Slipping through the safety net
Efforts to evaluate and treat gambling harm have traditionally focused on men. This has seen other groups, women among them, fall through the cracks as their experiences of gambling harm can differ enormously.
A regulatory framework that protects consumers
In February the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) was invited to speak at the House of Commons Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights on Bill C-218: An Act to Amend the Criminal Code. If passed, this bill would remove restrictions placed on single-event sports betting and enable provinces and territories to implement a regulated sports betting market. RGC believes that the legalization of single-event sports betting presents an opportunity to have a positive and significant impact on reducing the harms that sports wagering can cause to individuals, families and societies.
Canada is a leader in responsible gambling and RGC believes that should Bill C-218 be passed this can allow for a robust, regulatory frameworks for single-events sports betting to be put in place, ensuring we maintain our high standards for responsible gambling and consumer safeguards. Regulations would not only establish guardrails for operators to be accountable to, but also signal that a strong consumer protection strategy, that includes prevention education programming and collaboration with health professionals, is priority within the regulations.
It is in the field of responsible gambling and accountable health promotion and protection that RGC takes its position with two recommendations to the Committee:
Recommendations
The expansion of regulated online gambling will mean the introduction of new operators into Canada, calling for the creation of a national standard for sports betting that will ensure all platforms are meeting a consistent set of responsible gambling metrics that protects consumers. This along with active participation from a wide range of stakeholders and a public health approach that focuses on at-risk populations will contribute to mitigating the harms associated with gambling.
If you have further insights and would like to discuss how Canada can work together to create a strong regulatory framework for sports betting, contact Shelley White.
The Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) is a respected, independent non-profit organization. We have been a leader in the prevention of problem gambling in Canada and globally for more than 35 years.
Efforts to evaluate and treat gambling harm have traditionally focused on men. This has seen other groups, women among them, fall through the cracks as their experiences of gambling harm can differ enormously.
Rush Street Interactive becomes the first U.S.-based online casino and sports betting company to receive RG Check iGaming Accreditation for its BetRivers.com and PlaySugarHouse.com sites.
Shelley White, CEO of RGC takes to the hot seat to offer insight into a journey that led to the industry, as well examining ongoing challenges, opportunities that lie ahead, and the importance of collaborative leadership.