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NLV International Gaming Institute (IGI) launched the IGI Payments Collaborative—in partnership with payment technology and software providers Sightline Payments and Global Payments Gaming Solutions—to analyze the gaming industry’s transition towards cashless wagering.
As a neutral, academic entity, UNLV IGI is uniquely positioned to lead the conversation on the convergence of responsible gaming and cashless wagering. Taking inspiration from the International Center for Responsible Gaming, formerly the National Center for Responsible Gaming, the Collaborative’s objective is to provide a scientific, data-driven foundation for policymakers and regulators to make sound decisions in the future.
“This Collaborative will combine IGI’s experience in peer-reviewed science with our funders’ existing technological, operational, and marketplace strengths to form a leadership position on responsible gaming policy, which in turn will be a crucial consideration in any forthcoming cashless wagering conversations,” says Dr. Bo Bernhard, Executive Director, UNLV IGI.
For #RGEW20, we are pleased to introduce the IGI Payments Collaborative. Working w/ industry partners like @Sightline777 & Global Payments Gaming Solutions, we are honored to lead the industry conversation on RG as we transition toward cashless wagering. https://t.co/P0DuTcJar3
— UNLV IGI (@UNLVigi) September 17, 2020
“Global Payments Gaming Solutions will provide industry leadership and the expertise needed to drive responsible gaming efforts,” said Christopher Justice, President, Global Payments Gaming Solutions. “Our team works to develop industry-leading cashless gaming solutions to support patrons and their need to track, manage, and control funds to play responsibly. Digital gaming solutions not only improve the gaming experience, but help create more responsible gaming practices.”
“Responsibility is the cornerstone of our industry and protecting the integrity of the patron is paramount. As the world starts to seamlessly blend the digital with the physical, it’s essential that we collectively evolve our tools, technology, and thinking to shape the future. The IGI Payments Collaborative aspires to that lofty ideal and we’re excited to make our contribution to the collective,” says Omer Sattar, Executive Vice President & Co-Founder, Sightline Payments.
“To date, RG policy on cashless wagering has been driven more by perception rather than data. Very little scientific research exists on actual customer behavior when cashless systems are deployed. As a result, policies can be based on worries or beliefs rather than facts and scientific methodologies. It is thus important to evaluate and study the potential unintended consequences of these current policies in order to inform future RG policy,” says Alan Feldman, Distinguished Fellow in Responsible Gaming, UNLV IGI.
Partnership conversations are continuing with other leaders in the payment solutions ecosystem.
