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 gambling practices.
This initiative, born out of the Brain Capital Alliance and developed in partnership with key global entities such as the G7/G20, the United Nations, and the World Economic Forum, seeks to create a cohesive framework for regulators, operators, researchers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers. This framework aims to boost player protection measures around the globe.
Central to the forum's mission is the draft Responsible Gambling Practice and Policy Pillars (RG3P) Framework. This proposed structure is designed to proactively prevent and mitigate gambling harm, serving as a future benchmark for responsible gambling policies, awareness campaigns, treatment services, and regulatory standards worldwide.
The BGF recently finalized its UN report, which is the result of efforts that began during the BGF Collaborative Event in New York City in September 2025. This draft report underwent two rounds of stakeholder consultations, including a webinar held in May 2026. The final version of the report is set to redefine the Pillars framework for regulators, health officials, and governments.
The BGF approaches gambling as a public health issue, advocating for a perspective that encompasses both public health and brain health. Rather than placing the onus solely on individual consumers, the RG3P framework emphasizes coordinated action across various sectors, including government, industry, healthcare, research, and community organizations.
The aim is to create safer gambling environments while ensuring ample support services are available for those facing gambling-related challenges. As some countries consider banning specific forms of gambling, the BGF recognizes the ongoing consumer interest in gambling and advocates for regulation that balances harm reduction with consumer enjoyment.
The RG3P Framework and the UN Report are founded on six core pillars, each contributing to the overall guidance for player protection:
1. **Education, informed choice, and harm prevention**: This pillar emphasizes equipping players with essential information about gambling risks, enabling informed decisions. Educational initiatives heighten awareness of gambling products, odds, and the signs of problematic behavior. The focus is on prevention strategies that aim to reduce harm proactively.
2. **Risk detection and intervention**: The framework promotes employing tools and technology to detect harmful gambling patterns in their early stages through behavioral monitoring and timely interventions. This approach strives to assist at-risk individuals before they experience severe gambling-related harm.
3. **Support, treatment, and recovery**: Ensuring effective access to support services is crucial for player protection. The BGF underscores the importance of treatment programs, counseling, recovery resources, and referral pathways to ensure those affected by gambling harm receive appropriate care.
4. **Gambling environment, product, and marketing standards**: This pillar addresses the design and operation of gaming products, venues, and marketing strategies. It promotes standards that mitigate the risks of harm, foster safer gambling contexts, and uphold responsible marketing practices that do not exploit vulnerable audiences.
5. **Ethical industry practices and accountability**: The BGF urges transparency, ethical practices, and accountability in the gambling industry. Operators are encouraged to prioritize player welfare in all decision-making processes, demonstrating verifiable commitments to responsible gambling and consumer protection.
6. **Research, evaluation, and sustainable funding**: This pillar acknowledges the significance of continuous research into gambling behavior and risk factors, alongside effective interventions. It supports sustainable funding models for long-term investment in prevention, treatment, and program evaluation.
The RG3P Framework is crucial, especially given the inconsistencies in responsible gambling standards across different jurisdictions. Although some markets possess robust consumer protection mechanisms, others are still developing their regulatory frameworks. The BGF aims to bridge these gaps by offering a universal reference point that can be tailored to specific local contexts while adhering to core principles.
The BGF seeks to enhance collaboration between regulators, operators, public health organizations, treatment providers, and researchers, all with the end goal of reducing gambling-related harm and promoting healthier gambling practices globally.
Looking ahead, the BGF's focus will be on increasing visibility of the Pillars and UN report across major platforms and events. Having recently concluded a panel discussion at the UN General Assembly in mid-September, the BGF will participate in events at SBC Lisbon, ICE in Barcelona, and Davos in January 2027.
The organization is also actively seeking new members to expand its expertise in player protection, in line with the innovative mission of the Brain Capital Alliance to promote mental and health resilience through sound public policies. This represents a significant effort toward establishing universally accepted standards for responsible gambling and player protection, integrating education, early intervention, access to treatment, responsible product design, industry accountability, and ongoing research into a cohesive approach.
