Listen to this article:It is fair to say that the game, especially online, has exploded. Accessibility to the best bingo sites is so easy, particularly due to being able to play on a mobile device. However, there are still certain things you need to be aware of.
While bingo is seen as a “low-risk” game, problem gambling can still develop, due to features such as in-game purchases being frequently advertised and faster-paced games designed to get you hooked and wanting more.
As such, the industry has started to introduce safer gambling tools for bingo players, with regulators in different markets being keen to promote responsible gambling. Keep reading to find out what is available in different markets.
When it comes to consumer protection, the UKGC (UK Gambling Commission) seemingly continues to lead the way. Now, licensed operators are required to conduct affordability checks – particularly on new or younger players.
Indeed, the KYC (Know Your Customer) process has become even more detailed, and this is required to be completed before you can gain access to bonuses or any gameplay. In addition, cooling-off periods are also available for players who think they need to take a break.
Another country that loves bingo, regulators in Spain now enforce the General Registry of Gambling Access Bans (RGIAJ). It means that operators must check this database prior to accepting new accounts, and halls adhere to operating hour limits and face advertising restrictions.
Even online platforms are required to offer mandatory loss limits as well as visible account history tools, while more autonomous regions like Catalonia need responsible gambling messaging in advertising.
Since 2019, bingo has fallen under Sweden’s re-regulated gambling framework. As such, all operators must enforce a SEK 5,000/month default deposit limit, unless you decide to change it.
Meanwhile, session timers and automatic break reminders are introduced for all online bingo activities. Arguably, the most important safer gambling requirement in Sweden is that all operators need to include the phrase “Spela Lagom” (Play Moderately) in their marketing material. Spelpaus, the national self-exclusion scheme, applies to all operators (both online and land-based).
In Ontario, the iGO (iGaming Ontario) regulates the province’s online offerings, and players are required to access games through licensed platforms that are connected to RG (Responsible Gambling) tools.
You will find that deposit, wager and time-based limits are mandatory across all licensed platforms, and educational messages are on view during and in between games.
Furthermore, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming (OLG) promotes “Play Smart” tools for both online and land-based bingo.
In Australia, bingo regulation varies differently across states, though it falls under the National Consumer Protection Framework. Certainly, online bingo in the country is starting to trigger calls for uniform responsible gambling measures nationwide, which is understandable.
It is now standard in Australia for halls to have clear signage about the dangers of problem gambling in addition to resources that are available to provide help. Even indigenous bingo services, which are common in more regional areas, are receiving education about safer play measures.
Such is bingo’s growing popularity, new and more emerging markets are beginning to implement the first steps to implement modern responsible gambling measures, such as Brazil. The country’s re-legalisation of the gambling industry as a whole has seen regulators impose these standards from the outset.
Meanwhile, Colombia’s Coljuegos demands that all operators implement responsible gambling messaging and player tracking. Across the Atlantic, South Africa’s provincial licensing bodies now require player limit tools and exclusion lists for land-based bingo operators.
It is also encouraging that many African and LATAM (Latin American) markets are looking towards the UK and even Spain when it comes to regulatory blueprints for their operators.
Over the last couple of years, the industry has embraced a number of technological innovations to help with safer gambling. As such, these include playing detection, such as frequent rebuys or erratic spending.
Real-time spend alerts plus cooling-off prompts pop up mid-game, while safer gambling chatbots are integrated into chatrooms. VR bingo environments are now trialling pause features and mood check-ins.
While not as high-risk as casino gambling, bingo still carries risk. Operators are still required to provide responsible gambling features in bingo markets, and ongoing monitoring is mandatory.
Ultimately, bingo is considered to be a community-led activity, and ongoing research and customer feedback are essential to continuing to harbour a safe environment.
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