Global industry supplier Playtech has published its second report on the Latin American gambling industry, providing ‘expert insights’ into responsible gambling in the region.
Demonstrating a proactive approach to responsible gaming, Playtech’s updated Responsible Gambling Report details ‘essential updates and key findings’, having surveyed around 2,500 individuals across LatAm with ‘invaluable’ perspectives from Argentina, Brazil, Chile Peru and Colombia.
The LatAm-focused report has been conducted to improve Playtech’s understanding of player behaviour and RG attitudes, as it aims ‘to better understand’ how ‘AI and machine learning models use a multi-tiered approach to analyse player behaviour’.
This, in turn, will provide Playtech with the insights needed to understand and improve its player protection services such as Playtech Protect, as well as its AI-powered RG service BetBuddy, upholding RG practices.
Mor Weizer, Playtech CEO, stated: “As the Latin American sports betting market experiences remarkable growth, it is crucial for our industry to seize this opportunity while prioritising player safety and security. By harnessing cutting-edge technologies, we can create a secure environment that meets the evolving needs of our customers.”
The initial study in the report explains how each country’s players define responsible gambling, as 55 per cent of surveyed Colombians selected ‘having fun while gambling online’ as a critical factor, whereas Argentina and Chile placed ‘not spending money that one cannot afford to lose’ as most critical, with 53 and 56 per cent respectively, compared to 46 per cent each for ‘having fun’.
Meanwhile, in Brazil, being able to gamble on legal, regulated websites was seen as the most critical factor in responsible gambling, highlighting the nation’s desire for appropriate regulation as 60 per cent of Brazilians selected this option.
Looking at the Peruvian responses, 57 per cent of respondents saw a lack of anxiety as the most significant factor in defining responsible gambling, followed by only playing ‘for a limited time each day’ in a close second with 56 per cent.
Weizer continued: “At Playtech, we are committed to guiding markets in regulatory matters, pioneering innovative player protection technologies, and collaborating with industry peers.
“Our tireless efforts are driven by the invaluable insights gathered from our comprehensive study, enabling us to continuously enhance our tools and solutions based on the preferences expressed by individuals surveyed.
“Together, we are shaping the future of online gambling, fostering responsible gaming practices, and delivering an exceptional experience for players throughout Latin America.”
Another study questioned the respondents on whether they considered themselves responsible gamblers, with less than three per cent of each country’s respondents believing themselves to be irresponsible.
Additional inquiries included asking how receiving responsible gambling messages makes respondents feel, their preference in how they receive those messages and whether the messages have any impact on their playing behaviour.
While Peru (45 per cent), Colombia (43 per cent) and Chile (42 per cent) preferred to see pop-up RG messages, Brazil detail a preference for receiving a text message over an email, with 42 and 40 per cent respectively.
Moreover, Argentinian respondents mostly aligned with receiving an RG email, standing at 35 per cent.
Charmaine Hogan, Head of Regulatory Affairs at Playtech, added: “Highlighting the importance of transparency in online betting is crucial for the well-being of both users and service providers, as it cultivates a sense of security within the digital environment. Government participation plays a vital role in achieving this objective, as indicated by the insights from our report.
“Since it was first released in 2022, this report has been updated in response to the growing potential for market expansion and the increasing need to advocate for improved conditions in the industry.
“We are responsible for approaching this opportunity with diligence and promoting regulatory measures that ensure a safe and responsible betting experience for all.”
