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Cross-sector strategic body, the Gambling Business Group, whose members account for a majority share of Gross Gaming Yield, has given its full backing to the introduction of the Consumer Protection Zone, which has been announced for ICE London 2018 (6-8 February, ExCeL London, U.K.). The Consumer Protection Zone, which will feature a mix of commercial and non-commercial organisations involved in the delivery of social responsibility, harm minimization, education and treatment initiatives in relation to problem gambling, is a first for the world's leading gaming technology event, which in 2017 attracted a record 30,213 attendees from 151 nations.
Peter Hannibal, who as well as being CEO of the Gambling Business Group is a trustee of The Gordon Moody Association, the charity which delivers cognitive behavioral therapy based treatment and support at two residential centers in the U.K., believes the new Zone is a welcome addition to the ICE experience and will serve as a platform from which the industry can demonstrate the work it is doing in this field.
He said, "It's clear that social responsibility is a central issue for governments and regulators throughout the world. Speaking in my capacity as CEO of the Gambling Business Group, I am delighted that the U.K. industry has demonstrated its very real commitment to helping the small percentage of the population that experience problems as a result of their gambling behavior. Social responsibility isn't a function, but a culture, and it is of paramount importance that the industry continues to be seen to be addressing its responsible gambling obligations, and the Consumer Protection Zone will enable us to do so at what is the gaming industry's biggest shop window."
He added, "When the Gambling Business Group hosts Ministers, MPs and regulators at ICE, the Consumer Protection Zone will be the very first place that we show them. I think a well-supported Consumer Protection Zone could go some way in helping the industry to shift the narrative on gambling, and Clarion is to be congratulated on this progressive initiative."
