BetMGM Becomes First User of New Responsible Gaming Software Tool PlayPause

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• BetMGM will be first gaming operator to use PlayPause, created by GeoComply
• Key benefit of PlayPause restricts operator’s problem gamblers crossing state lines
• GVC becoming a responsible gaming industry leader endorsed by the NCPG

In a welcome effort to promote safer gambling, GVC Holdings and BetMGM became the first major gaming industry partner for the new innovative responsible gaming tool PlayPause. Software that will be implemented within the BetMGM sports betting app.

GVC’s US operations include both Partypoker and Party Casino brands. They also maintain a joint venture with MGM Resorts International named Roar Digital. That division operates the BetMGM brand for online poker, casino, and sports wagering.

A Triumph for Responsible Gaming

PlayPause was developed by GeoComply, a leading supplier of geolocation compliance technology, and is offered free-of-charge for gaming operators via a non-profit organization, Conscious Gaming. The software tool is designed to modernize and strengthen the effectiveness of the industry’s responsible gaming programs.

PlayPause was originally launched in September during Responsible Gaming Education Week, A primary goal was to add new capabilities for operators to manage compliance requirements across multiple states offering mobile sports wagering. The revolutionary solution expands the self-exclusion bubble for players, allowing the protection to move along with them should they move from state to state within the US.

Shay Segev, CEO of GVC Holdings was enthusiastic in offering comment:

We are delighted to be the first official partner of PlayPause. We believe the most responsible operator will be the most successful operator, and PlayPause’s innovative, multi-state approach to responsible gaming in the US aligns with our firm commitment to providing our customers with the safest and most enjoyable experience possible.

Adam Greenblatt, CEO of BetMGM was equally excited about PlayPause’s versatile application to help bettors. Greenblatt said:

A multi-state approach to responsible gaming is an important step for the industry and advances consumer protection in a meaningful way. We’re delighted to play a leading role in collaborating on this important and timely initiative.

PlayPause Makes a Significant Difference

The top benefit of PlayPause allows players to self-impose restrictions that will extend to every US state in which a gaming operator is active.

One common facet every state has instituted through legalizing wagering is self-exclusion requirements for operators. Any player who might feel they have a gambling problem can request to be placed on an exclusion list, distributed to all operators within that specific state. Self-exclusion may be temporary or permanent per the player’s discretion. Once the player is put into exclusion, they are locked out of their existing account and prevented from opening any new account with any other operator.

The caveat with this system has been that it allows problem gamblers to cross state lines to sign-up. Say, a short trip from Pennsylvania to New Jersey. PlayPause, solves that problem by allowing players to exclude themselves from “all of an operator’s sites”.

The negative, for now, is that PlayPause will not prevent them from playing at other companies’ gaming sites. For example, a BetMGM player in Pennsylvania traveling to New Jersey to sign-up on a DraftKings Sportsbook or FanDuel site. That will hopefully change as more gaming companies universally adopt this new solution.

Keith Whyte, Executive Director of the National Council on Problem Gaming (NCPG) has given PlayPause an endorsement and provided this comment:

Creating a multi-state self-exclusion tool has long been a goal of all stakeholders that are committed to responsible gaming. This is a prime example of how technology and innovation can be leveraged to advance consumer protection and foster a more effective responsible gaming framework across the gambling and sports betting industries.

GVC Becoming a Responsible Gaming Industry Leader

GVC Holdings recently announced it is planning a name change to Entain, along with dropping operations for all unregulated jurisdictions. A move at the forefront for responsible gaming efforts. Last week, the global operator signed partnerships to beef up player protection by adding new gambling harm detection tools and algorithms based on behavioral and neuroscientific insights.

Among those initiatives in the US, GVC began a multi-year research program to study addictive behaviors with Harvard University. They currently are a platinum member of the NCPG.

We hope all gaming operators follow GVC’s lead to help problem gamblers as the popularity of sports wagering continues to grow throughout the US.