In a bid to ensure that its members are fully compliant with UK regulatory protocols, Responsible Affiliates in Gambling (RAiG) has published the details of its social responsibility audit, which will form a part of the association’s membership requirements.
The audit, which will be repeated on an annual basis, will prioritise the improvement of consumer safeguards within the gaming industry, as well as facilitating the implementation of good practice measures.
Commenting on the audit, RAIG’s chairman, Clive Hawkswood, explained: “As with all of RAiG’s work it will evolve over time but setting up the audit process and getting it piloted by our founding members marks a huge step forward.
“I very much see it as a benefit of membership rather than something that members or prospective members should be concerned about. As transparency has become something of a watch word for RAiG it was also important that we put this paper into the public arena.
“We now feel much more comfortable about encouraging other affiliates to join RAiG simply because we can be open about what is required. With the pilot successfully completed and with the audit arrangements now in place, we can concentrate on improving standards within the affiliate sector so that it plays its part, and is seen as doing so, in creating a safer gambling environment for consumers.
“Against this background, we are now actively encouraging other affiliates to apply for membership and expect to make further announcements on that front very shortly.”
RAiG has stated that all of its members will be required to take part in the audit and address any shortcomings as part of its membership, with the audit taking place on an annual basis.
Sarah Ramanauskas, Senior Partner at Gambling Integrity, who conducted the audits, commented: “The companies involved could not have been more cooperative or committed to the process, and I am pleased that they all passed.
“We look forward to working with RAiG in the future, in the belief that the annual social responsibility audits will not only provide assurances about compliance, but also provide a platform for sharing best practice and enhancing standards of consumer protection.”
Details of the audit that have been published include the purpose of the audit; frequency; cost; the framework; practical arrangements; the auditor’s report; and the review process.
Supporting the audit, the RAiG has outlined a number of other key areas which it will consider rolling out in the future, including the limitation of marketing material to customers vulnerable to gambling-related harm; staff training; the provision of safer gambling information; improvements to co-ordination with gambling operators and the transparency of relationships between affiliates and operators.