Entain Foundation Partners with RGC on Research to Inform Regulatory Approach to Gaming & Sports-Betting in Canada

The Canadian federal government introduced a bill at the end of last year which could pave the way for legalisation of single-event sports betting, with licences for online operators.  Entain has already expressed interest in applying for a licence in Ontario if, and when, they are available.

The research project, led by the Responsible Gambling Council’s RG Plus – a global consultation service that offers research and strategic consultation services –  aims to draw on consumer insights in Canada and experiences across other international jurisdictions to help regulators to make evidence-based recommendations that balance the mandates of online operators with the identifying behaviours and risk factors for consumers.

International experience shows a vast majority of people enjoy sports betting and gaming with no issues, but regulation helps to protect those potentially at risk.

Martin Lycka, Senior Vice President for American Regulatory Affairs & Responsible Gambling at Entain said: “We know from similar research in many markets in which we operate, including the United States, that regulators value research which supports an evidence-based approach to decision-making and effective regulation from a wide range of other international jurisdictions. Entain, which operates across five continents and over 20 countries, has unparalleled experience with different regulatory approaches taken around the world in the past 15 years.”

The research will focus on a sample of approximately 4,000 adult bettors and gamers (18+ years old), providing the most comprehensive and up-to-date evidence into responsible online sports betting and gaming needs and interests. The work will also review other key international jurisdictions to assess regulatory approaches, using informant interviews to identify effective responsible betting and gaming practices.

Shelley White, CEO of RGC expressed “As a global leader in responsible gambling, RGC is committed to working with regulators, operators and the public to establish the development and implementation of a robust responsible gambling culture. RGC’s work with Entain will contribute to vital advancements in consumer safeguards.”

Research work is expected to begin shortly with the full report due later in the year.  Assuming the regulatory process continues, Ontario is expected to become the first Canadian province to introduce online gambling, with initial licenses expected to be granted in 2022.

Media Enquiries:

media@entaingroup.com
Jay Dossetter, Head of ESG and Press Office – jay.dossetter@entaingroup.com
Tessa Curtis, Head of Media Relations – tessa.curtis@entaingroup.com

FINN Partners:

John Acunto – john.acunto@finnpartners.com / ph. 551-482-8642

Max DeFilippis – max.defilippis@finnpartners.com / ph. 201-390-5718

About Entain
Entain plc (LSE: ENT) (Formerly GVC Holdings plc) is a FTSE100 company and is one of the world’s largest sports betting and gaming groups, operating both online and in the retail sector. The Group owns a comprehensive portfolio of established brands. Sports Brands include bet.pt, bwin, Coral, Crystalbet, Eurobet, Ladbrokes, Neds and Sportingbet; Gaming Brands include CasinoClub, Foxy Bingo, Gala, Gioco Digitale, partypoker and PartyCasino. The Group owns proprietary technology across all of its core product verticals and in addition to its B2C operations provides services to a number of third-party customers on a B2B basis. The Group’s unique technology platform also powers BetMGM, the joint-venture it operates with MGM Resorts to capitalise on the rapidly regulating US sports betting and iGaming market. Entain is tax resident in the UK with licenses in more than 20 countries, across five continents. The Group’s commitment to delivering sustainability and growth is recognised through its membership of the FTSE4Good and DJSI ESG indices, which identify companies that meet globally recognised corporate responsibility standards.

For more information see the Group’s website: www.entaingroup.com

The Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) is a respected, independent non-profit organization. We have been a leader in the prevention of problem gambling in Canada and globally for more than 35 years.