A new responsible gambling initiative is emerging in the US, but with global implications through the agencies and organisations involved.

 

 

The Better Gambling Forum (BGF), a “multi-stakeholder initiative” of the Brain Capital Alliance, yesterday (22 September) announced its Responsible Gambling Practice and Policy Pillars (RG3P) Framework.

 

It comes via a partnership with global organisations that include the G7/G20, the United Nations, and the World Economic Forum.

The initiative, according to a press release, is being positioned as a significant step towards building a “unified, evidence-based approach” to tackling gambling-related harm on both national and international levels.

The RG3P Framework sets out six core pillars that policymakers, regulators, and health professionals can use to address gambling-related risks.

These include education and informed choice, risk detection and intervention, access to treatment and recovery, standards for gambling products and marketing, ethical industry accountability, and continuous research with sustainable funding.

Each pillar is designed to strengthen existing systems of player protection and provide practical pathways to reduce harm.

Shawn Fluharty, chair of the BGF Steering Committee, explained that the framework is a direct response to the rising demand for coordinated public health strategies.

He said the aim is to future-proof both gambling regulation and broader health policy by spotlighting scalable, evidence-based practices.

 

By framing gambling harm through a brain health and public health lens, the initiative seeks to widen the scope of responsible gambling beyond industry compliance to include social and health impacts.

 

Designed to complement existing RG efforts

The framework is not intended to compete with current responsible gambling initiatives but rather to synthesise and elevate best practices across jurisdictions.

This approach is supported by an independent Scientific Oversight Committee, which ensures recommendations are rooted in rigorous evidence and ethical standards.

Kevin Winters, a leading member of the BGF, emphasised that the mission is to create a globally applicable tool that strengthens protection mechanisms while prioritising public well-being.

He explained: “Our mission is to create a practical, comprehensive framework that can be adopted across jurisdictions to strengthen existing player protection measures. By focusing on these six pillars, we can provide a clear and actionable path forward that puts public and brain health first.”

A particular focus has been placed on the intersection between gambling and mental health.

Francis Keyser, a committee member, highlighted that while gambling is not inherently harmful, its growing integration into digital spaces can exacerbate vulnerabilities, especially among younger demographics.

The six pillars, he noted, are structured to provide jurisdictions with a practical blueprint for establishing a gold standard in harm prevention, treatment, and regulation.

The announcement hints at a potential shift in international gambling policy conversations, with greater emphasis on aligning industry practices with public health imperatives.

By engaging multiple global bodies, the RG3P Framework reflects a recognition that gambling-related harm is not confined to national boundaries. Instead, it represents a global challenge requiring shared responsibility and coordinated action at scale.

 

 

 

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