New Global Responsible Gambling Framework Launched by Brain Capital Alliance

On 22 September, the Better Gambling Forum (BGF), which is a multi-stakeholder initiative of the Brain Capital Alliance, announced a new Responsible Gambling Practice and Policy Pillars (RG3P) Framework. This has arisen with new partnerships with large global organisations that include the G7/G20, the United Nations and the World Economic Forum. These partnerships mark the start of a more “unified, evidence-based approach” when it comes to tackling gambling-related harm on a national and international scale. 

The RG3P Framework includes six core pillars that policymakers, regulators and health professionals can work from to create a unified front and productively address gambling-related risks. The pillars are:

• Risk detection and intervention

• Education and informed choice

• Ethical industry accountability

• Treatment and recovery

• Standards for gambling products

• Marketing and consistent research that has sustainable funding. 

These pillars are intended to further strengthen existing processes of player protection and create a thorough plan that helps reduce harm. 

Chair of the BGF Steering Committee, Shawn Fluharty, explained that this a direct response to the rising demand for coordinated public health strategies. This unification seeks to future-proof gambling regulations and broader health policies by creating a strict framework. The new framework is not intended to undermine current responsible gambling tools but to expand on them to streamline the user experience of accessing helpful and productive responsible gambling tools. To legitimise this work, an independent Scientific Oversight Committee is ensuring that this work is rooted in evidence and upholds ethical standards. 

Kevin Winters, who is a leading member of the BGF, said that this mission seeks to create a globally applicable tool that strengthens protection mechanisms while prioritising public wellbeing. He said, “Our mission is to create a practical, comprehensive framework that can be adopted across jurisdictions to strengthen existing player protection measures. By focusing on these six pillars, we can provide a clear and actionable path forward that puts public and brain health first.”

Francis Keyser, a committee member, has voiced his opinion that it is not the act of gambling that is inherently harmful but rather its ability to reach vulnerable people, especially younger demographics. He said, “...the six pillars are structured to provide jurisdictions with a practical blueprint for establishing a gold standard in harm prevention, treatment, and regulation.”

While this framework will initially only be rolled out in the US, as the United Nations are part of this partnership, it is likely that Ireland will eventually see these tools introduced if it has successful results. The current popular responsible gambling tools in Ireland include self-exclusion, reality checks and deposit limits which all serve the purpose of helping players in need. However, it will be interesting to see how this new framework will hopefully positively influence the existing processes in place that help players who are seeking support.