MERKUR UK has extended its industry acclaimed 360 Safer Gambling Program to support research which seeks to understand the dominant trends in the relationship between gaming and gambling.
The research will examine the differences between Web2 and Web3 gambling, with specific reference to Web3 gambling features, platforms, activities and experiences.
MERKUR UK is playing an important role in supporting the research to help society understand the relationship between gaming, gambling, and the transition to Web3. The work is being led by ESG Gaming the not-for-profit Corporate Community Interest Company founded by Lee Willows (pictured). The findings will be presented at a Parliamentary Symposium scheduled to be held during the first half of 2023.
Explaining the importance and topicality of the initiative Lee Willows said: “Video games are one of the most popular recreational activities for adults and young people.
“Esports – defined as competitive spectator-driven video gaming played by professional gamers – now has upwards of 470 million spectators worldwide who are able to gamble on the outcome of an event in a way that’s similar to sports betting. As a consequence, the risk is that younger people are being drawn to gamble.
“We have established an independent governance structure, for the initiative and the support from MERKUR UK will enable ESG Gaming to undertake timely and purposeful research which will then be used to co-develop digital content with partners aimed directly at casual players to reduce harms.
“MERKUR UK has set a high standard in terms of the implementation of safer gambling for the land-based AGC sector and we see this as a natural evolution of that work.”
Sascha Blodau general manager for MERKUR UK believes in the importance of taking a broad approach to safer gambling. He stated: “Supporting ESG Gaming to undertake this pioneering research with their academic partner will form the bedrock of an authentic outreach digital programme to engage with players and high-risk spectators alike. It will also enable us to reimagine safer gambling initiatives as the world moves to Web3. It promises to be an important and illuminating piece of work, conducted by experts and we are delighted to support it.”