KSA opens consultation on responsible gaming research

The KSA has asked interested parties to respond to its proposals regarding how the research will be carried out.

The aim of the research is to recognise risky gaming behaviours in players early on and intervene before a situation escalates. This coincides with the launch of online gaming in the Netherlands on 1 October.

One of the proposals would see operators asked to submit data to a research institution when requested, responding within 28 days of when the request was sent.

The licence holder must make sure datasets submitted are anonymous and can’t be traced back to any individual player.

Requests must include information such as research questions pertaining to gambling addiction, a research plan, and a description of the way in which the results will be published.

A KSA statement said: “It is important that all results of the research be published in an open repository. It is very important that all requested databases are analysed and the results published regardless of whether significant associations are found.

“The chance of publication in scientific journals is higher if there are significant and remarkable close connections found. For addiction prevention policy, however, it is important to have an overview of studies where no effects are demonstrated. Otherwise a distorted image may arise.” 

After the likes of Kindred, Betsson and LeoVegas ceased gaming activity in the Netherlands, the Dutch igaming launch was delayed by a malfunction in the country’s self-exclusion system.