The newly formed Betting and Gaming Council in the UK has introduced new measures, known as the Anonymous Player Awareness System, to identify and reduce potential problem play in licensed betting offices.
The Anonymous Player Awareness System is a real-time algorithm that monitors player behaviour on gaming machines. When triggered, it will force customers to take a "cooling-off" break from play. Staff will be alerted simultaneously, allowing for what is known as a Responsible Gambling Interaction where appropriate.
APAS forms part of the delivery of the "protecting and empowering customers" work in the Safer Gambling Commitments announced by the Betting and Gaming Council last week. The BGC also announced last week that £10m of funding would be provided for a national education programme designed and delivered by the charities GamCare and YGam for children and young people over the next four years.
BGC chairman, Brigid Simmonds OBE, said: “I am delighted to launch these new measures today as part of Responsible Gambling Week. The Betting and Gaming Council has raising standards as its mission statement and this technology will create an environment that promotes safer play."
Interim chief executive Wes Himes said: “I see this as an opportunity to champion the highest standards and share best practice on safe betting and gaming, and we hope these new measures are a sign of intent. I’m convinced that this approach can help restore public trust and I look forward to working on further safer betting and gaming initiatives across our industry.”
