Regulatory Objectives

Introduction #

The Department of Customs and Inland Revenue (DCIR) in Vanuatu, in collaboration with VGA Limited, is committed to ensuring that gambling activities are conducted in a fair, safe, and responsible manner. This policy outlines the measures and strategies implemented to promote responsible gambling, protect vulnerable individuals, and maintain the integrity of the gambling industry in Vanuatu.

Objectives #

1. Promote Responsible Gambling: Encourage responsible gambling behaviors among players and operators.
2. Protect Vulnerable Individuals: Safeguard individuals who may be at risk of gambling-related harm.
3. Maintain Industry Integrity: Ensure that gambling activities are conducted fairly and transparently.
4. Provide Support and Resources: Offer assistance and resources to individuals affected by gambling.

Policy Scope #

This policy applies to all gambling operators licensed by the DCIR and VGA Limited in Vanuatu.

Key Principles #

1. Player Protection: Ensure the protection of players by implementing measures to prevent gambling-related harm.
2. Fairness and Transparency: Maintain fairness and transparency in all gambling operations.
3. Compliance and Enforcement: Ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations, with strict enforcement measures for violations.
4. Education and Awareness: Promote education and awareness about responsible gambling among players, operators, and the general public.

Responsible Gambling Measures #

1. Age Verification:
   • Operators must implement robust age verification systems to prevent underage gambling.
   • Regular audits and checks to ensure compliance with age restrictions.
2. Responsible Marketing and Advertising:
   • Ensure that marketing and advertising materials do not target vulnerable individuals, including minors and problem gamblers.
   • Prohibit misleading or deceptive marketing practices.
3. Player Education and Information:
   • Provide clear and accessible information about responsible gambling practices and resources.
   • Display information about the risks of gambling and where to seek help prominently on all platforms.
4. Training for Staff:
   • Mandatory training for all staff on responsible gambling practices and how to identify and assist problem gamblers.
   • Regular refresher training to keep staff updated on best practices and new developments.

Support and Resources #

1. Community Outreach and Education:
   • Engage in community outreach programs to raise awareness about responsible gambling.
   • Partner with educational institutions to incorporate responsible gambling education into their curricula.

Compliance and Monitoring #

1. Regular Audits and Inspections:
   • Conduct regular audits and inspections of licensed operators to ensure compliance with responsible gambling policies.
   • Implement a system for reporting and addressing violations promptly.
2. Data Monitoring and Analysis:
   • Monitor gambling data to identify patterns and trends associated with problem gambling.
   • Use data analysis to inform policy decisions and improve responsible gambling measures.
3. Penalties and Sanctions:
   • Implement a clear system of penalties and sanctions for operators who fail to comply with responsible gambling regulations.
   • Ensure that penalties are proportionate to the severity of the violation and act as a deterrent to future non-compliance.

Continuous Improvement #

1. Stakeholder Engagement:
   • Engage with stakeholders, including operators, players, and support organizations, to gather feedback and improve responsible gambling measures.
   • Regularly review and update the responsible gambling policy to reflect new research, technologies, and best practices.
2. Research and Development:
   • Support and promote research into responsible gambling and problem gambling prevention.
   • Use research findings to enhance responsible gambling strategies and interventions.

Conclusion #

The DCIR, in partnership with VGA Limited, is dedicated to fostering a safe and responsible gambling environment in Vanuatu. By implementing comprehensive measures and continually improving our approach, we aim to protect players, support vulnerable individuals, and maintain the integrity of the gambling industry. Operators are expected to adhere strictly to this policy and collaborate with the DCIR and VGA Limited to promote responsible gambling practices.