Find out what it takes to get the gold standard in accreditation.
Frequently Asked Questions about RG Check Accreditation
What makes RG Check the gold standard of Responsible Gambling Accreditation?
There are several reasons as to why RG Check is the gold standard of responsible gambling accreditation. Those reasons include:
- Having the most comprehensive set of Responsible Gambling Standards
- Providing deeper review and analysis for each of the standards
- Incorporating more standards than other Responsible Gambling Accreditation programs, such as assisting players who show signs of a gambling problem
- Being regularly reviewed against leading best practices
The RG Check Accreditation program is focused on delivering the best, most comprehensive accreditation program in the world by:
- Concentrating on core responsible gambling deliverables (e.g., expected content of training, informed decision making, self-ban) not security, fraud or other non-responsible gambling elements
- Ensuring the RG Check Accreditation process:
- Is independent
- Has dedicated staff that works closely with venues and iGaming sites to ensure the process is smooth, efficient, and effective
- Contains detailed analysis of scoring and practical recommendations for improvement
- Includes a review by a prestigious arm’s-length Accreditation Panel
- Remaining a registered non-profit corporation that is governed by an independent Board of Directors
- Being internationally-recognized with over 35 years of experience in problem gambling prevention
- Remaining completely independent with having no industry-related association
Why are there different standards for land-based venues and Internet gambling sites?
While there is overlap between the two sets of standards, there are some obvious operational differences that are reflected in both the standards and criteria. For example, assisting patrons at a venue takes place in the form of face-to-face interactions, while providing similar assistance to a player on a website takes place over the phone or via web chat. This has an impact on staff training requirements and escalation strategies for people in distress. Another example is access to money. Venues are largely cash-based businesses, while internet sites require that an online account or ‘wallet’, be established to gamble. The differences between the two sets of standards are based on these operational realities.
Must responsible gambling programs contain the same components to gain accreditation?
The Responsible Gambling Council recognizes that every operator has its own strategies, policies and priorities. As a result, the standards were designed to accommodate these variables by focusing on outcomes. Responsible gambling programs in place at accredited sites have some similarities, but are not identical.
How are standards development and accreditation funded?
Organizations applying for accreditation pay a fee that covers the cost of the accreditation process and the ongoing research and analysis required to keep the standards current.
What RG Check information does the Responsible Gambling Council share with the public?
The standards and criteria, as well as information about the assessment process, are published on this website and in printed materials. Sites that have received RG Check accreditation are made public with the consent of the gaming provider. Final scores are confidential, as is information about sites undergoing accreditation and all documentation provided by gaming providers as part of the accreditation process.
The Centre for the Advancement of Best Practices (CABP)
RGC’s CABP promotes the research and advancement of responsible gambling practices.