In a groundbreaking collaboration set to reshape the landscape of gambling regulation, two of the world’s leading regulatory bodies have unveiled a new partnership. The Gaming Regulators European Forum (GREF) and the North American Gaming Regulators Association (NAGRA) have established a cooperative agreement that is poised to unite approximately 100 regulator organizations from Europe and North America.
This partnership arises at a critical juncture, with the gambling industry experiencing rapid growth and transformation. As new markets emerge and innovations take hold, public opinion globally is increasingly focused on the potential risks associated with a burgeoning gambling sector.
At the heart of this union is a commitment to exchange knowledge and information on regulatory affairs. This will be achieved through a series of collaborative efforts including the holding of joint meetings for relevant interest groups and supporting each other’s annual conferences. Furthermore, the organizations will conduct seminars to equip members with the latest insights on emerging regulatory risks.
Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin, the chair of France’s Autorite Nationale Des Jeux (ANJ), who also heads GREF, has voiced her support for this timely initiative. Recognizing the shared challenges faced by regulators across continents, she believes the partnership will elevate consumer protection standards.
Falque-Pierrotin remarked, “With a public opinion across the globe more and more concerned about the risks related to excessive gambling offer and with the increase of gambling markets and innovations, the exchange between regulators worldwide is crucial.” She emphasized that the collaboration would enhance regulators’ capacity to shield consumers from potential harm.
Ryan Winfield, NAGRA president and member of the Arizona Department of Gaming, also embraced the partnership with enthusiasm. Highlighting the dynamic nature of the gambling industry, he underscored the importance of forging connections with other regulatory bodies. Winfield stated, “The power of partnership and collaboration between GREF and NAGRA is important in this ever-evolving industry.” He acknowledged the necessity of staying informed to better serve communities.
Winfield expanded on the benefits of the collaboration: “The changing landscape and the future of gaming makes it imperative that we reach out to other organizations in the industry to remain informed as we tirelessly serve our communities. This commitment to collaboration and communication will serve people across the globe.”
NAGRA, a comprehensive association, comprises federal, state, local, tribal, and provincial governmental agencies primarily tasked with regulating the North American gambling industry. The organization’s vast network enables it to engage with numerous stakeholders and to navigate the regulatory challenges specific to North America.
Meanwhile, GREF serves a similar function within the European context, assembling gambling regulators to exchange perspectives on critical issues relating to the supervision and regulation of operators and the gambling industry at large. This cross-pollination of ideas and strategies under GREF’s umbrella is now set to be amplified through the partnership with NAGRA.
This new collaboration signifies a pivotal step towards unifying efforts to safeguard the integrity of gambling activities and protect consumers on both sides of the Atlantic. With regulators joining forces, the potential risks accompanying the expansion of the gambling industry will be met with a consolidated, more powerful oversight mechanism. As this partnership unfolds, its impact on global gambling markets will be observed closely by industry stakeholders and policymakers alike.
