The Better Gambling Forum (BGF) is an international initiative dedicated to enhancing player protection and minimizing gambling-related harm through data-driven policies and responsible gaming practices.
Launched by the Brain Capital Alliance, the forum collaborates with various global stakeholders, such as the G7/G20, United Nations, and World Economic Forum. Its primary objective is to create a unified framework that regulators, operators, researchers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers can utilize to bolster player protection on a worldwide scale.
Central to the forum’s mission is the draft Responsible Gambling Practice and Policy Pillars (RG3P) Framework. This framework proposes a structured approach aimed at preventing and mitigating gambling-related harm, positioning itself as a future global standard for responsible gambling policies, awareness initiatives, treatment services, and regulatory requirements.
This framework is designed for both emerging and established gambling markets, providing them with effective player protection measures and guidance for ongoing improvements.
Recently, the BGF adopted its United Nations report, a culmination of efforts that began during the BGF Collaborative Event held in New York City in September 2025. Following this gathering, the draft report underwent two stakeholder consultations, including a webinar in May 2026. The finalized report introduces significant updates to the Pillars framework for regulators, health officials, and government entities.
The Better Gambling Forum regards gambling through a dual lens of public health and brain health. The RG3P Framework promotes collective action across sectors, including government, industry, healthcare, research, and community organizations, rather than placing the onus solely on individual responsibility.
This approach aims to foster safer gambling environments while also ensuring that support services are available for individuals facing gambling-related challenges. While some nations pursue bans on specific forms of gambling, the BGF recognizes the continued enjoyment of gambling among consumers, advocating for regulations that minimize harm while allowing individuals to participate responsibly.
The RG3P Framework and its UN Report are founded on six key pillars:
1. Education, Informed Choice, and Harm Prevention
This pillar emphasizes providing players with clear insights into gambling risks, enabling informed decision-making. It includes educational initiatives designed to enhance awareness of gambling products, odds, and the warning signs of problematic behavior.
2. Risk Detection and Intervention
The framework encourages the use of technology and tools to identify harmful gambling patterns early, allowing for timely interventions when risk factors become apparent. The aim is to support individuals at risk before gambling-related harm escalates.
3. Support, Treatment, and Recovery
A vital component of player protection involves making effective support services accessible. The BGF underscores the significance of treatment programs, counseling, recovery resources, and referral pathways to assist those affected by gambling-related issues, integrating support into existing healthcare services.
4. Gambling Environment, Product, and Marketing Standards
This pillar addresses the design of gambling products, the operation of venues, and advertising practices. It promotes standards that limit the risk of harm, cultivate safer gambling environments, and ensure responsible marketing that avoids targeting vulnerable populations.
5. Ethical Industry Practices and Accountability
The Better Gambling Forum champions transparency and ethical conduct throughout the gambling sector, urging operators to prioritize player welfare and demonstrate a commitment to responsible gambling and consumer protection.
6. Research, Evaluation, and Sustainable Funding
The final pillar recognizes the necessity of ongoing research regarding gambling behaviors and effective interventions. It supports sustainable funding models to ensure consistent investment in prevention, treatment, and evaluation efforts, enabling policies and practices to adapt as new evidence arises.
The framework’s significance lies in addressing the disparities in responsible gambling standards across jurisdictions. While some markets have well-established consumer protection measures, others are still developing their regulatory frameworks. The BGF aspires to close this gap by offering a reference point adaptable to local contexts while upholding consistent principles.
Through this shared framework, the BGF seeks to enhance cooperation among regulators, operators, public health organizations, treatment providers, and researchers. The overarching goal is to diminish gambling-related harm and bolster player protections while promoting healthier gambling environments globally.
Looking ahead, the BGF plans to increase the visibility of the Pillars and the UN report at prominent forums and events. It recently held a panel discussion at the UN General Assembly in mid-September and will participate in events at SBC Lisbon, ICE in Barcelona, and Davos in January 2027.
The organization is also seeking to expand its membership to enrich the expertise surrounding player protection. This effort supports the Brain Capital Alliance's broader mission to foster mental and health resilience through sound public policy.
Overall, the BGF is actively working towards establishing internationally recognized standards for responsible gambling and player protection. By integrating education, early interventions, accessible treatment, responsible product design, industry accountability, and continuous research, the framework provides a strategic approach for jurisdictions and operators aiming to enhance consumer protection and combat gambling-related harm in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
