Regulator flags illegal gambling and talent gaps as oversight evolves
Regulators face challenges from illegal gambling, technology, and talent shortages while adapting oversight.Summary
Ben Haden, president of the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR), highlighted the mounting pressures facing regulators in a fireside chat with Rui Proença at G2E Asia. As more markets open to betting, the industry faces a triad of challenges: the proliferation of illegal gambling, rapid technological change, and a shortage of skilled personnel. Haden emphasized that while online markets are growing, the core mission of keeping the vulnerable safe, ensuring fair games, and preventing crime remains unchanged. He noted that attracting and retaining talent is as difficult as ever, a sentiment shared by the commercial community. Technological advancements, Haden argued, enable bad actors to access consumers and facilitate access to illegal markets, which he likened to water finding a way. In Asia, the scale of illegal gaming revenue is estimated to exceed $100 billion annually, a significant concern given that online casino gaming is prohibited in most jurisdictions outside the Philippines. Haden cautioned against the oversimplification of legalizing gambling to solve these issues, advising regulators to focus on managing disruption rather than attempting to eradicate illegal markets entirely. Looking ahead, Haden projected broader participation from social media and payment providers, alongside the increased use of data and artificial intelligence to strengthen oversight. He cited the U.K. as an example of combining consumer surveys and open banking data to better understand gambling behavior. Ultimately, Haden stressed that no single authority can address these challenges alone and that stronger international cooperation is essential.
(Source：Macau Daily Times)