As digital betting spreads, the Association of Permit Holders, Operators and Suppliers of the Entertainment and Betting Industry in Mexico (AIEJA) has highlighted the crucial need for responsible gambling, technological advancements and collaborative efforts to safeguard consumers.
The association believes in responsible gambling and that it is necessary to take an active role in risk prevention and consumer protection. It has urged regulators, mental health professionals, schools, families, civil society and industry players to work together to create a safer gambling environment.
Digital Platforms Create New Consumer Protection Challenges
AIEJA reports that digital wagering has brought new challenges, such as greater ease of access, heightened exposure to gambling content for young people, and wagering at any time. These developments further underscore the importance of adequate supervision, but most notably to safeguard vulnerable persons and to ensure that minors are not able to avail of the gambling services.
The association thinks that the development of the industry must be based on regulation, prevention, education, and technological progress. With this strategy, gambling should be a form of entertainment that happens within a clear boundary with protections to minimize gambling-related harms.
Technology as a Tool for Responsible Gambling
Technological innovation is a strategic approach AIEJA sees as a means of enhancing consumer protection. The association underscores a number of steps operators can take to detect problematic gambling and enable consumers to take control of their gameplay.
Some of these include age-verification systems, time and spending limits, self-exclusion mechanisms, and technology which could identify patterns linked to risky gambling. These tools can be used to help operators intervene earlier and respond when users are exhibiting potentially harmful behaviors, the association said.
However, technology is not enough. AIEJA also highlights the need to review the effectiveness of measures and to keep public and private sector cooperation to support the practice of responsible gambling in the future.
Guidance for Bettors and Responsibilities for Operators
The association has raised awareness about the practical suggestions that can support consumers to take control of their gambling. These include establishing a wagering limit prior to playing, not gambling money that’s supposed for necessities, and not borrowing money for wagers. Users are also encouraged to set time limits, make frequent breaks, and not try to get back their losses by playing more.
AIEJA also urges those who find gambling to be impacting their wellbeing or finances to seek professional help. The measures are designed to make people think, and to raise awareness among consumers about when they might be losing control of their gambling.
The operators also have certain responsibilities in the approach of the association. These include: making sure that underage people are not gambling, training staff, making sure people know about the risks of gambling, and making sure they can use self-exclusion and specialist help.
AIEJA Supports a Regulated and Coordinated Industry
AIEJA believes that to promote responsible gambling, consumers are not the only ones responsible. The development of safeguards, enhancement of prevention, and evaluation of the effectiveness of existing safeguards should be a joint effort of regulators, operators, health professionals and other stakeholders.
The association restated its “favoring a regulated betting industry where consumer protection is at its core“.
“AIEJA believes in a regulated industry that has a responsibility to prevent risk, to keep people safe, and to foster gambling as an entertainment activity that is acknowledged and limited.”
The association’s role is to highlight the importance of technological advancements, education, and cooperation in creating a safer gambling environment for Mexico, as digital platforms continue to reshape the way people access betting services.
