International Game Technology has become the first gaming supplier to achieve responsible gaming accreditation from Global Gambling Guidance Group (G4) for its land-based casino and lottery segments. G4 aims to minimize the impact of problem gambling by promoting a worldwide accreditation program for operators and suppliers in the gaming industry.
The accreditation follows the implementation of a range of responsible gambling initiatives and tools on IGT’s gaming machines and systems, including on-screen reality checks such as time clocks, wager amounts and pop-up reminders of the time and money spent playing; session limits; back office monitoring; and responsible gaming information screens showing budget setting suggestions, a self-assessment test and treatment referrals.
In a statement, IGT said that its G4 certification reinforces the company’s commitment to being a responsible vendor, demonstrating the effectiveness of the responsible gaming technology solutions it provides to gaming operators worldwide.
“IGT has successfully proven its commitment to responsible gaming by integrating effective features in its products that assist operators with minimizing harm and preventing problem gambling,” said G4 board member Pieter Remmers. “We commend IGT for its leadership and congratulate the company for being the first vendor to receive G4 accreditation for its land-based casino and lottery segments.”
IGT’s CEO, North America Gaming and Interactive, Renato Ascoli, added, “IGT partners with gaming operators around the world to provide innovative technology and services, and it’s our responsibility to create solutions that help our customers protect their players. IGT prides itself as an industry pioneer, and the G4 certification allows us to transparently demonstrate our leadership in this important topic.”
G4 is the brainchild of a group of international experts in the field from Australia, the Netherlands, the UK and Sweden, boasting many years of experience working with the gambling industry worldwide to encourage responsible gaming and to minimize the harm caused by problem gambling. Their experience covers drafting responsible gaming programmes and devising and delivering training programmes for staff of land-based and remote and e-gambling companies, as well as running helplines and face to face counseling services for problem gamblers themselves.