Protecting players is now a major priority for gambling operators and regulators across Europe. Duty of Care, or the obligation to protect consumers, has emerged as an essential standard in the industry.
This development is explained in a recent article published by VIXIO GamblingCompliance, a leading authority on international regulation, which highlights the progressive integration of this concept into European legislation and practices.
As a responsible and committed industry player, Gaming1 anticipated this development. As an active member of BAGO, the Belgian association of certified gambling operators, we signed a Duty of Care obligation for the industry in 2023. This voluntary commitment illustrates our desire to go beyond regulatory obligations in order to better protect our players.
A rapidly evolving European framework
The European regulatory framework for games of chance is evolving fast. In Sweden, the law requires rapid intervention in cases of problematic gaming behavior. In the Netherlands, the regulatory authority (KSA) has already sanctioned some operators for failure to comply with their duty of care.
In France, each certified operator must establish a specific action plan. In Finland, the duty of care will be integrated into future legislation as part of a progressive opening of the market. These initiatives express a shared desire on the part of European regulators to increase operators’ responsibility and to better protect consumers, especially the most vulnerable.
Even in countries like the United Kingdom and the United States, where this duty of care is not yet enshrined in law, the standards of protection imposed are becoming increasingly strict.
Belgium: one step ahead thanks to BAGO
In Belgium, the legal sector didn’t wait for legislative changes to take action. In November 2023, BAGO and its members, including Gaming1, signed a voluntary Duty of Care obligation for the industry.
This commitment involves the following practices:
- Proactive identification of at-risk players
- Establishment of individual limits (deposits, losses, gaming time)
- Strict compliance with voluntary exclusions
- Ongoing efforts to raise awareness of responsible gaming practices
This responsible approach aims to strengthen player protection while demonstrating that the regulated Belgian sector represents a true alternative to the illegal market, which offers no guarantee of consumer protection.
Gaming1, driver of responsible Next-Level Entertainment
At Gaming1, our vision is clear: the future of gaming depends on striking a balance between fun and safety. Our ambition is to provide a gaming environment that fulfills our brand promise of Next-Level Entertainment by combining fun and responsibility.
Highly conscious of our role, we are committed to going beyond legal obligations to inspire exemplary practices in the industry, provide sustainable protection for our player communities, and promote a more ethical and sustainable industry.
Conclusion
The increasing role of Duty of Care requirements in Europe is much more than just a regulatory trend. It marks a genuine turning point for the entire industry, inviting all stakeholders to redefine their roles in favor of a more responsible and sustainable approach to player protection. As a member of BAGO, Gaming1 is proud to be a part of this collective movement. We will continue to innovate and stay committed to ensuring a safe, ethical and responsible gaming market.
To learn more, see VIXIO’s complete analysis of this strategic topic here
→ Read the VIXIO article
For more information on our commitments to responsible gaming → View our commitments
