BGC members commit to new design code on game safeties

Maintaining the industry’s commitment to upholding safer gambling standards across all online gambling disciplines, the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has unveiled its ‘new code conduct for the design of online games’.

Last Spring, the BGC announced that its members would address concerns on ‘intensive slots and game designs’ as part of the industry’s ‘new action plan’ which had seen members agree to reform VIP Schemes and implement further advertising safeguards.

Measures agreed by BGC members include the slowing down of spin speeds, combined with the banning of game features which are deemed to encourage intensive play.

From October, the BGC stated minimum game cycle speeds of 2.5 seconds, the ending of turbo play – which allows players to speed up games – and the scrapping of multi-slot play, where a player can place multiple stakes on different games at the same time.

BGC Chief Executive Michael Dugher commented on changes: “The BGC was set up last year with the aim of leading a race to the top in terms of standards within the regulated betting industry. 

“The new Game Design Code of Conduct is yet another example of our determination to address concerns head on and meet our safer gambling commitments.”

For game developers, the BGC stated that its code of conduct has been designed to ensure that safety principles are fully incorporated before a game/slot enters the market. 

The code further ensures that mandatory checks and time breaks are enforced as a part of a game’s design. 

The BGC also confirmed that its measures were developed by gathering first-hand research from academics, regulators, consumers and individuals with lived experience of betting-related harm.

Moving forward, the BGC stated that members will continue to work within its ‘game design research lab’ in order to continue improving standards and to ensure that its latest safeguards can keep up with changes in technology.

“I’m sure that our members will embrace this approach and commit to its objective of improving player safety,” Dugher added. “And as we prepare for the forthcoming Gambling Review, it is further evidence of our industry’s commitment to improving standards – unlike the completely unregulated black market.”