Introducing Entain’s new Advance Responsibility and Care (ARC) technology – an AI-powered series of tools designed to reduce gambling harm. This solution offers automated interventions for at-risk customers, including a forced “cooling-off” block if required.
Entain believes that ARC can be more effective than rules imposed by regulators and sees it as a key tool in fighting gambling harm.
The industry believes that solutions coming from within the industry itself are important in creating a sustainable future.
Regulators, legislators, and governments should understand the consequences of poorly thought-out regulation and take an approach that effectively reduces harm.
Hoskins points out that heavy-handed regulation can drive players to the black market with insufficient player protection checks, as seen in countries like France and Sweden.
Entain commissioned a report earlier this year that found the black market is real and growing in the UK, highlighting the risk presented by heavy-handed regulation.
Hoskin’s keynote speech at Entain Sustain emphasizes that the percentage of problem gamblers has declined to 0.3% in September 2021, while the portion of people at risk was 2.9%. This indicates that the majority of people derive harmless pleasure from betting.
Entain has been working tirelessly to have a system in place that identifies signs of harm, intervenes with customers, and stops harmful trajectories.
Hoskin believes that the industry is receiving credit where it matters, with the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) playing a significant role in showcasing the industry’s achievements in raising standards and reducing harm.
The ARC tool is a point of pride for Entain, which consulted with gambling experts and used research and lived experience to develop the tool. It aims to offer customers a portfolio of safer gambling tools based on the best research available.
Entain is confident that the ARC tool is effective in lowering harm, despite the need for continuous testing, development, and refinement.
Instead of setting a specific target for the elimination of problem gambling with its brands, Entain believes the focus should be on reducing the overall rate of harmful gambling industry-wide through innovation and technology.
As the industry faces upcoming regulation changes, Entain hopes that innovation and technology will be the preferred route rather than strict rules.
