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IGC Regulation Position Statement ~ Considerations for Industry

The birth of any new industry is generally accompanied by growing pains and more often than not severely conflicting interests. The online gaming industry is no exception. There are those who would prefer that the industry not grow and become established and there are those who wish to see it not only survive but thrive and prosper. Those seeking to nurture and develop the industry, establish ground rules for its operation and more times than not, so many ground rules are put forth that they become confusing and sometimes contradictory. Nevertheless, over time major concerns are made apparent and responses to those concerns coalesce.

It is the objective hereof, therefore, to identify those major concerns and provide a reasonable and sensible response and position regarding those concerns with an eye toward the eventual adoption and formulation these responses into a recognized set of International Standards.

Antigua V. US: The US Protects Its Own

The impact of the World Trade Organization ruling on the United States is the focus of this article. Rick Smith and Keith Furlong from the Interactive Gaming Council look at the reactions of US politicians and industry leaders to the decision.

Response to Issues Paper on Anti-Money Laundering Reform

The following has been prepared by the Interactive Gaming Council (IGC) in response to the Attorney-General Department’s Issues Paper 4 on Anti-Money Laundering Reform in the Gambling Industry and demonstrates the association’s willingness to work toward effective regulation of the online gambling industry.

IGC's Submission to NCLGS

A submission on behalf of the Interactive Gaming Council with regard to Online Gaming: States Rights, Regulation and Player Protections

The IGC Presents a Case for Regulation

Is There a Role in the U.S. for State Governments in the Debate on Licensed and Regulated Online Gaming?

Announcements

Recommended for all Members Sites

The Internet Content Rating Association is an international, independent organization that empowers the public, especially parents, to make informed decisions about electronic media by means of the open and objective labelling of content. ICRA's dual aims are to: - protect children from potentially harmful material; and, - to protect free speech on the internet.

IGC Helping Hand Program

The IGC has completed a revamp of its Helping Hand Program. IGC members are encouraged to place the Helping Hand logo on their site and create a link to this page.

The Program now provides more comprehensive information about contact details for those seeking assistance with problem / compulsive gambling services and also contains numerous links to sites offering general information about problem / compulsive gambling.

The IGC does not endorse any particular product or service, but is concerned about providing information on this very important topic to those in need.

Have a Complaint?

Members of the Interactive Gaming Council (IGC) have all agreed to abide by the IGC's Code of Conduct. If you feel that a member operator has treated you unfairly, or you have tried to resolve a problem without success, please tell us about it by completing our Consumer Complaint form. Our mediation department will look into the matter and try to help get it resolved.

Have an Opinion or Comment:

The IGC is an ever evolving institution that is constantly seeking input from its members as well as the public on the issues facing the gaming industry. The public is invited to express opinions regarding any member and issue.  If you wish to submit your opinion or make a comment, we welcome you to do so by completing our Contact Us Inquiry Form. 

IGC Banners

Here you will find a selection of IGC banners available for members and non-members to display on their website(s).

Press Releases

BLOCKING MINORS' ACCESS TO ONLINE GAMBLING SITES

IGC Calls British Study a "Wake-up Call"

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 9, 2004 -- The Interactive Gaming Council (IGC) supports the initiative of three British organizations – NCH, GamCare and CitizenCard – with regard to their recent study on underage access to online gambling sites. However, at the same time, the IGC is alarmed by its findings. The study is a wake-up call to the interactive gaming industry and its responsibility to prevent minors from accessing its web sites. It strongly reinforces the efficacy of governmental regulation of this industry.

IGC Tackles Casino Spam and Other Advertising Issues

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 16, 2004 -- In an effort to reduce spam and promote reputable business practices, the Interactive Gaming Council (IGC, igcouncil.org) today announced an updated Advertising Code of Practice for member casino operators and software developers.

IGC SUPPORTS UK APPROACH

The Interactive Gaming Council (IGC) applauds the report of a committee of the United Kingdom Parliament regarding the sections of the gambling reform bill that deal with what the British government calls “remote gambling.” The Joint Committee on the Draft Gambling Bill published its report on April 7.

The IGC on WTO and U.S. Govt Actions

An article written by Rick Smith, Executive Director And Keith Furlong, Deputy Director from the Interactive Gaming Council

Internet Gambling, Electronic Cash & Money Laundering

“The Unintended Consequences Of A Monetary Control Scheme”
Written by Mark D. Schopper, J.D.

This article will seek to show that the current proposal pending in Congress to ban the use of credit cards and other payment systems as a means of preventing Internet gambling will not only fail to achieve its intended result, but may in fact unleash market forces that could have vast and unintended consequences--including the promotion of both Internet gambling and money laundering.
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Miscellany

Advertising Code of Practice

The IGC has developed an Advertising Code of Practice with which it is intended its members comply. As with other documents, the IGC welcomes feedback and suggestions as to how best this policy can be enhanced. It also welcomes proposals regarding possible strategic liaisons with a view to strengthening this facet of the industry.

Responsible Gaming Employee Training Program

The IGC has a longstanding interest in minimizing a concern associated with gambling – specifically the development of a gambling addiction.

Problem gambling is a health disorder that can be diminished through proactive education by members of interactive gaming companies. Progressive companies are participating in employee training programs that will provide information about this concern and how to encourage people with this problem to seek professional help.

The IGC is committed to working with organizations such as the North American Training Institute who provide such education.

We are pleased to provide a link to information about responsible gaming programs provided by the North American Training Institute (NATI).

Responsible Gambling Guidelines

The Interactive Gaming Council has established Responsible Gambling Guidelines to which its Members have agreed to adhere. These Guidelines have been amended recently and a revised version is now available for review and comment. The IGC welcomes feedback at any time and requests readers to note that this document is subject to ongoing refinement.

Code of Conduct:

As a vehicle to achieving part of its stated mission, the Interactive Gaming Council has established a Code of Conduct as a voluntary standard to which the membership has agreed adhere.  The Code is available to the public for review.