Usually, those joining the sites are savvy enough to understand they aren’t receiving cash with no strings attached, but it’s been tripped up in the terms and conditions that causes frustration. Operators have taken some huge steps in addressing this, giving more clarity to these promotions. As a mechanism to attract customers, promotions are still hugely important, and a commitment to transparency has made them seem more attractive, even if such transparency removes some of the shiny lustre.
In the end, the iGaming industry still needs the regulation provided by governments. But it is nevertheless good to see that operators are reacting to issues before they become embedded in the regulations of different countries. That points to an industry full of confidence, and one that will continue to thrive in Ireland and elsewhere.
In Ireland, the UK and other countries with relatively liberal laws on gambling, there is always talk of changing regulation regarding the betting and gaming industries. Indeed, anyone who follows the industry in Ireland will be well aware that the Gambling Control Bill has been held up in the Dáil for what seems like years. Sure, Leo Varadkar and the rest of the government have plenty on their hands with the challenges of Brexit, but it’s nevertheless difficult for business to operate when significant legal changes seem stuck in limbo.
Still, in general the iGaming industry has been proactive in anticipating how regulations would be changing. For example, many UK operators were active in pursuing Know Your Customer type policies, requiring players to prove their identities as a means against money laundering, long before it became a legal requirement in spring 2019.
Irish Casinos Being Proactive
Indeed, you can see similar policies of ensuring full compliance of future laws in Ireland at sites like https://www.casino.com/ie/, even if the Gambling Control Bill has an uncertain future. These sites not only anticipate the legal requirements, so they are prepared for any changes in the law, but also elements like responsibility to customer, both in terms of online security (data protection, encryption) and responsible gambling practices, such as deposit limits, time outs, cooling off periods etc.
These challenges are certainly not unique to the Irish gaming industry, nor are they the result of iGaming businesses running from the law and regulation. Effectively, we have seen a shift in the strategies of operators, moving away from aggressive marketing to an atmosphere of responsibility and inclusivity. Certainly, the threat of regulation has much to do with this, but it’s nevertheless reactionary toward changes in attitudes of customers. Players have demanded transparency, and that’s been picked up by the better operators.
What do we mean by transparency? It covers a broad range of areas, including promotions, fair gaming, privacy and profits. For instance, most online casinos will publish detailed information on payouts for each game. These reports are published or, at least, monitored by independent bodies like eCOGRA and TST Gaming, who ensure that the games are giving the returns as advertised. It might surprise you the sheer number of players who value this information and make their gaming choices as a consequence of reading it.
Promotions Are More Transparent
In promotions, too, there has been a proactive charge to make terms and conditions clearer and more concise. Much of the regulatory proposals from Ireland to New Zealand to Canada have surrounded how gaming operators advertise bonuses – free bets, free spins, cash – but operators have arguably responded to players ahead of moves from regulators.
Usually, those joining the sites are savvy enough to understand they aren’t receiving cash with no strings attached, but it’s been tripped up in the terms and conditions that causes frustration. Operators have taken some huge steps in addressing this, giving more clarity to these promotions. As a mechanism to attract customers, promotions are still hugely important, and a commitment to transparency has made them seem more attractive, even if such transparency removes some of the shiny lustre.
In the end, the iGaming industry still needs the regulation provided by governments. But it is nevertheless good to see that operators are reacting to issues before they become embedded in the regulations of different countries. That points to an industry full of confidence, and one that will continue to thrive in Ireland and elsewhere.
