Experts Stress Human Judgment for Player Protection in Gambling

Industry experts, including Shereen Fernando, Associate Director at the Responsible Gambling Council in Toronto, Canada, stress that human judgment is crucial for player protection in the gambling industry. They highlight that current regulatory frameworks set minimum standards but do not prevent gambling-related harm.

Fernando points out that the focus is shifting towards compliance performance, urging operators to move beyond passive tools and adopt an active framework that involves human judgment in identifying and responding to risks. Muuluka Nalubamba, founder of Gamaid in Zambia, adds that gambling-related harm often goes unrecognized due to shame and financial secrecy, leading to delayed disclosures.

The experts call for continuous training and a supportive organizational culture to empower frontline staff to act decisively when risks become visible. They warn that without strong frameworks, organizations may struggle to execute effective interventions, emphasizing the need for a proactive role in player protection.