A safer game design code for gaming machines in land-based gaming establishments was finalized by three gaming industry trade bodies last week.
“Commitment to socially responsible recreational gaming”
The Safer Gaming Design Code finalized by the British Amusement Catering Trade Association (BACTA), the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) and the Bingo Association is a cross-sector initiative that began before the pandemic as the industry sought to respond at the Gambling Commission’s Call to Minimize Gambling Risks in Game Design Features.
“We welcome this code as another example of higher industry standards to address risk issues and we will continue to introduce other evidence-based measures in our fight to prevent harm.”
Wes Himes, Executive Director, BGC
Hailing the agreement as a “significant achievement for the whole industry”, BACTA CEO John White stressed that, despite the challenges faced, the industry is now equipped with code that demonstrates its ” commitment to socially responsible recreational gaming”.
“This adds to a long list of industry initiatives that have played their part in reducing problem gambling rates to an all-time low of 0.2% of the population,” White concluded, referring to the statistics released by the Gambling Commission earlier this month.
The initiative led by Reflex Gaming Product Manager Mat Ingram saw a group of gaming machine manufacturers and operators meet and discuss risky game design features in gaming machines, taking takes into account the latest research in the field, safer gaming standards, as well as people’s lived experience. who have suffered gambling-related harm.
Insignificant earnings without gamification features
The implementation of the code will eliminate the aural and visual effects present in slot machines in the land-based gaming sector to celebrate game wins below the original wager as part of the game design changes.
On behalf of The Bingo Association, Managing Director Miles Baron emphasized the association’s support for the code while stressing that the partnership with BACTA and the BGC demonstrates “the land sector’s ability” to unite and “strengthen game protocols” when required.
The Safer Game Design Code finalized by industry trade bodies followed in the footsteps of a similar code approved by the gaming industry for its online sector.
The game design code of conduct introduced by the BGC in September 2020 included slower game speed and mandatory game pauses, elimination of turbo and multi-slot play, as well as some of the gamification features, and improved access to safer gambling. information.
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