The Responsible Gaming Council (RGC) has announced that Flutter Entertainment, the parent company of OKBET Sports Betting and PokerStars, will sponsor a two-year independent research study on marketing and advertising in the online gambling sector.
The flood of advertising across various media channels was one of the critiques leveled at the Ontario Okbet sports betting agent market after it was introduced to the province in April. Responsible gambling is a priority for businesses in Ontario’s legal market, therefore Flutter’s claim that it is leading in this area is not unexpected.
The study’s main goals are to examine the current state of marketing and advertising on a global scale in order to make policy recommendations that address the important operating environment going forward, to evaluate the best-practice potential for ethical marketing and advertising techniques based on data obtained from the study, and to incorporate feedback from operators and regulators on how to enhance quality.
“Through this research, we not only have the ability to affect necessary changes to our marketing and advertising standards here in Ontario, but we also have the ability to make significant impacts on the harm minimization efforts of jurisdictions all over the world,” RGC CEO Shelley White said in a statement. By utilizing our research partners, we can have a stronger impact on safeguarding players and communities. This thorough study truly demonstrates the cultural transition the industry is now going through.
Dale Hooper, general manager of OKBET Sports Betting Group’s Canadian operations, was contacted by OntarioBets to share his opinions on the study and the okbet Betting Partners and online casino industries in Ontario.
There is a sizable market here.
What are you currently observing in terms of market growth in Ontario, asks OntarioBets?
Dale Hooper: This is a large market, and we’re only now starting to understand its structure. Although there has been a lot of development, we are aware that the market is still expanding as new operators continue to enter the market, partnerships are formed, and we continue to provide sports fans new experiences. In general, the market is changing quickly, and we are eager to watch how things will progress in the future.
OntarioBets: In your opinion, why is this study necessary?
Hooper: Since this is a new industry in Ontario, it’s crucial that we guarantee players’ safety. With the help of this study, current and potential markets can better understand how marketing and advertising affect customers and develop better regulations and procedures to assure safety.
Although the RGC’s study’s findings and ramifications are not yet known, I think they can be used to make the industry safer in the future and to help find answers and ways to make changes that are in the best interests of sports fans and iGaming participants.
OKBET Sports Betting Launched With Responsible Gaming Ads
OntarioBets: Following the launch of April 4, there has been a lot of criticism over the volume of advertising in Ontario. In your opinion, has there been too much? What is the player’s risk?
Hooper: Promoting iGaming and tools for responsible gambling can be a fantastic way to inform the public. OKBET Sports Betting really made the historic and unheard-of decision to launch in Ontario only with Responsible Gaming advertisements; this decision exemplifies our continuous dedication to consumer education and protection.
What about the viewpoint of media firms, who have welcomed Ontario’s sports book advertising spending as a much-needed infusion of cash?
Hooper: In our media collaborations, it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that the outputs we produce are in the best interests of our audience; everything we produce should improve their experience. We collaborate closely with TSN’s partners to develop natural, engaging, and educational integrations that put the needs of our audience first.
How Does Self-Policing Work?
OntarioBets: Shouldn’t it be up to each person to decide whether they want to self-regulate their exposure to too much advertising?
Hooper: Sports enthusiasts will watch television, therefore the programming should be entertaining and educational. Our collaboration with TSN guarantees that viewers have the best experience possible by providing exciting, cutting-edge, and secure sports betting to fans.
OntarioBets: I am aware that OKBET Sports Betting Sportsbook Ontario participates in initiatives to promote responsible gambling. What relation does this study have to those?
Hooper: As a market pioneer, it’s critical for us to advance constantly, particularly in the area of responsible gaming, which serves as the cornerstone of all we do. The study’s findings will be useful to us as we work to keep developing enhancements that will keep customers safe.