Videoslots has officially debuted its responsible gaming bar, asserting that the move represents a “UK first” as the operator strives to enhance its player safety protocols during the pandemic and beyond.
The bar, which is being launched a day ahead of the region’s Safer Gambling Week, will always be visible after a player has logged on to their account, including in-game. It features an 18+ badge, a session timer, and direct links to Gamstop, the company’s responsible gaming page and the Gambling Commission.
“We made a sustained effort to boost our responsible gambling tools over the years and have implemented a raft of changes to make players safer,” Amina Norgosanow, head of responsible gaming at Videoslots, said of the decision to implement a responsible gaming bar.
“The responsible gambling bar gives us the opportunity to display access to key tools prominently, alongside a time feature that lets players know how long they have been active on Videoslots.
“It is not a legal requirement in the UK where we have become the first operator to introduce it, but we felt it was the right thing to do. Feedback has been positive so far, from both inside and outside Videoslots.”
“We take our responsibilities around player safety very seriously”
Furthermore, Videoslots’ latest introduction will also see players benefit from a host of responsible gaming tools that they can set themselves, including wagering limits, session time alerts and limits, maximum bet limits, and time out opportunities.
Norgosanow elaborated on the introduction by examining if this, or similar such actions, are necessary for the industry on a global scale: “Yes, I do. I do not think we should wait to be told to be more responsible or to improve player safety. I think we as an industry should take the initiative. We are not doing this to stay one step ahead of the regulator.
“On the contrary, we have a commercial and moral interest in doing the right thing for our customers and to ensure they have a safe and enjoyable experience every time they visit our website.”
The online operator’s latest debut comes ahead of Safer Gambling Week, with the annual campaign, which began in 2017 to unite all sectors of the gambling industry and will take place this year from November 19-25, to see over 100,000 staff at more than 9,000 gambling venues and online sites participate.
“Safer gambling is very important to everyone at Videoslots. We take our responsibilities around player safety very seriously and having a week dedicated to it is a good way of demonstrating that. I also think it is important that people outside the industry understand our commitment,” Norgosanow continued by looking at what the campaign means for the company itself.
“We are determined to do the right thing. We now have a platform to showcase the great strides we have taken to keep the products and service our players know and love safe and enjoyable.”
“Safer Gambling Week is a good start, but that commitment has to be omni-present”
‘Let’s Talk About Safer Gambling’ is set to remain as the strapline for Safer Gambling Week 2020 with the message lauded by supporters as research suggests that it ‘strikes the right chord with the wide and diverse range of audiences’.
A key facet of not just this year’s actions, but those of previous campaigns, has been ensuring the continuation of safer and responsible gambling messaging year-long.
To conclude, Norgosanow touched upon the importance of all stakeholders continuing such efforts throughout all weeks and not just during one specific seven-day period: “I think it is hugely important that player safety and responsible gambling is a 24/7 365 days a year commitment, and not something that we bang the drum about once a year. Safer Gambling Week is a good start, but that commitment has to be omni-present,” she says.
“We want our players to be safe and in control whenever they visit our site and our communication to them must be consistent. Whilst we all want to promote our products, therefore, we should do so responsibly, letting players know how to help themselves and where they can seek help if they need it.”
