Betting Gaming Council and GVC pledge to protect gamblers during crisis

GVC Holdings, parent company of Ladbrokes and Coral, have introduced new measures designed to help protect their customers and promote a message of safe and responsible gambling during the coronavirus pandemic.

Around the world many people are being advised to stay at home, and action has been taken by GVC and the Betting and Gaming Council to ensure those who may become more vulnerable as a result self-isolation and lockdown are protected.

A ten-pledge action plan has been introduced by the BGC and their member companies, while GVC Holdings have added further safeguards, including communicating with all customers and reminding them to gamble responsibly, as well as adding two new markers to the group's safer gambling algorithm so potential problem gamblers can be identified earlier.

Kenny Alexander: 'We are more committed than ever to keeping our customers safe while they enjoy our products'Credit: Kathleen Sarg

GVC chief executive, Kenny Alexander, said: "At this time of unprecedented uncertainty, we are more committed than ever to keeping our customers safe while they enjoy our products. We are hugely sensitive to the potential for increased risk for some who are isolated at home or may have financial difficulties with reduced access to work.

"Our enhanced tools give customers the power to manage their spending and time in an effective way, and we are backing this up by carefully monitoring play through our markers of harm."

The BGC's ten-pledge action plan comes into effect immediately, with the pledges including an increase in safer gambling messages across all sites plus welfare checks and well-being help for all staff.

BGC chief executive, Michael Dugher, said: "In this time of national crisis, with so many people self-isolating and social distancing at home, it is vital that we do everything possible to ensure safer gambling and to protect potentially vulnerable or at risk people.

"We all know that levels of gambling have plummeted, not just because of betting shop or casino closures, but because of the absence of sport, which is also fundamental to online betting.

"Although gambling levels have dropped during the Covid crisis, our commitment to safer gambling is being stepped up. It is important that we help our customers stay safe and in control of their gambling during these difficult times. That’s why BGC members have developed a ten pledge action plan that will help govern members throughout this crisis."

BGC's ten-pledge action plan

1. Increase safer gambling messages across all sites and direct to all customers
2. Step up interventions if customers increase time and spend beyond normal pre-crisis patterns
3. Actively promote deposit limits
4. Action to ensure appropriate and responsible advertising including monitoring volume
5. Report all illegal, rogue advertising from black market online operators
6. One-strike-and-you're-out policy where affiliates breach pledges
7. Signpost help to GAMCARE and the National Gambling Helpline and GamStop for self-exclusion
8. Commitment to ensuring funding Research Education and Treatment (RET)
9. Welfare checks and well-being help for staff
10. Supporting the Government’s ‘National Effort’ with volunteers and facilities

More coronavirus news:

Online betting operators warned not to gamble with 'irresponsible behaviour'

Business rates: government relief a 'shot in the arm' for beleaguered bookmakers

Daily update to help racing industry personnel through the financial crisis

Keep up to date on the must-have news, tips, photos and more by following the Racing Post across all social channels