The Self-Exclusion Standards Project proposes an evidence-based framework to strengthen player protection and harmonise self-exclusion practices across jurisdictions, with a particular focus on Africa.
Šimon Vincze, Head of Sustainable and Safer Gambling at Casino Guru, and Dr Margaret Carran, Assistant VP for Education Partnerships at City St George’s, University of London, have presented the Self-Exclusion Standards Project, an initiative aimed at establishing clear and standardised guidelines for online self-exclusion programmes.
The project seeks to develop a common framework that can be adopted across different jurisdictions, with a particular focus on Africa, strengthening player protection tools and creating more consistent standards for the implementation of self-exclusion programmes.
The initiative was presented during the 32nd General Assembly of the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO), held in Kenya from August 24 to August 28 in partnership with the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).
During the event, Vincze and Dr Carran presented a blueprint for developing robust self-exclusion guidelines that can be implemented across jurisdictions and state borders, helping strengthen consumer protection against gambling-related harm.
“We focused on every aspect of the self-exclusion process and its implementation at operators to ensure that players are well-informed, able to find the right tool and use it at times when they are losing control. At the same time, we have sought to equip operators with appropriate procedures and safeguards to make sure they protect those who need it effectively,” said Šimon Vincze.
An Evidence-Based Approach
The Self-Exclusion Standards Project is the result of extensive research and consultation and outlines a three-stage, evidence-based approach.
The process incorporates existing research, workgroup consultation and broader public consultation, with the aim of developing a benchmark standard that can be adopted across different jurisdictions.
The initiative is designed to provide regulators, operators and other industry stakeholders with clear criteria on the elements self-exclusion systems should include to deliver effective player protection.
According to Dr Margaret Carran, the development of international standards for safer gambling tools and principles could deliver significant benefits for all stakeholders.
“Creating international standards for safer gambling tools and principles would bring enormous benefits to all stakeholders. The regulators and policy makers would have a reliable, evidence-based and robust source of what offers genuine protection; enforcement would become easier; players would benefit from a consistently high level of protection regardless of where they choose to gamble, and the public would gain confidence that the governments are indeed serious about protecting players from gambling-related harms.”
A Framework Designed for Cross-Border Adoption
A key objective of the project is to create a framework that can be easily integrated across different jurisdictions, enabling self-exclusion measures to be implemented more consistently while supporting player well-being and consumer protection.
The framework is also intended to provide a foundation that can be adapted to the regulatory characteristics of individual markets while maintaining common principles for player protection.
The project’s authors have also committed to supporting jurisdictions seeking to implement the framework, helping strengthen consumer protection measures and safeguards at the local level.
Through the initiative, Casino Guru and City St George’s, University of London aim to contribute to greater international alignment in self-exclusion practices and establish a common benchmark for the development of more effective safer gambling and player protection tools.
