In recent weeks, online gambling operators have been facing increasing pressure to comply with a new and somewhat controversial requirement set forth by the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGR). The requirement, which has been dubbed the “An unreasonable requirement” by industry insiders, stipulates that operators must implement a strict policy of age verification for all customers wishing to access their platforms.
The EGR has justified this new requirement by citing concerns over the rising rates of underage gambling and the need to protect vulnerable individuals from the potential harm associated with excessive gambling behaviors. While most operators agree with the underlying sentiment of this initiative, many believe that the EGR’s approach is overly stringent and does not take into account the practical challenges of implementing such a policy.
One of the main points of contention among operators is the time and resources required to fully comply with the age verification requirement. The EGR has mandated that operators must verify the age of every customer before allowing them to place bets or access any gambling services. This means that operators must now invest in sophisticated age verification software, which can be costly and time-consuming to implement.
Furthermore, operators are concerned about the potential impact on their user experience. Many fear that the added layer of verification could deter customers from signing up or using their services, ultimately leading to a decline in revenue. Some operators have even gone so far as to suggest that the EGR’s requirement is an overreach and could have unintended consequences for the industry as a whole.
Despite these concerns, the EGR remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the highest standards of responsible gambling. In a recent statement, the association emphasized the importance of protecting consumers and ensuring that operators are taking the necessary steps to prevent underage gambling. The EGR has also indicated that it will be closely monitoring operators’ compliance with the age verification requirement and will take action against those who fail to meet the necessary standards.
As the deadline for compliance with the age verification requirement approaches, operators are scrambling to find ways to meet the EGR’s stringent guidelines while also maintaining a positive user experience. Some operators have already begun implementing new age verification protocols, while others are still exploring their options. It remains to be seen how the industry will adapt to this new requirement and what impact it will have on the online gambling landscape moving forward.
