Responsible Gaming

Sportech employs security and compliance staff to ensure that, across the Group, our customers are treated fairly, our advertising is compliant with advertising standards and codes, the young and vulnerable are prevented from accessing our products, and abuse and illegal behaviour are identified and stopped.

In Connecticut, USA, where we operate our retail Winners brand off-track betting venues and MyWinners.com online betting service, Sportech contributes annually to promote responsible gambling, contributing more than US$1.8 million over the last eight years to support responsible gaming organizations and measures in the State.

Age Restrictions

All gaming products are subject to age restrictions. Age verification policies and procedures are followed to ensure compliance and software is also employed, where appropriate.

To wager with our Connecticut Winners services, players must be over 18 years of age. We use a variety of tools to verify the age of our players including third party age verification services integrated with our online betting platforms.

Any player who provides dishonest information regarding their age automatically forfeits their right to any winnings. All monies wagered will be returned and the appropriate authorities informed. Civil proceedings or criminal prosecution may follow.

Education and Protection

We engage in consumer education and protection practices in our Connecticut businesses, some of which were developed with the cooperation and assistance of the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling (“CCPG”), a non-profit organization focused on preventing problem gambling and helping those who may be struggling from problem gambling addiction.

Information provided by the CCPG is conveyed to Sportech employees and customers via in-house and digital channels with the key mechanisms for dissemination being:

• Information provided on the MyWinners.com website
• Information provided in our Winners and Bobby V’s Restaurant & Sports Bar locations
• Employee training

Information

The MyWinners.com website contains a “Responsible Gaming” page accessible to the public without having to open or log in to an account via a link in the website footer.  The page contains information developed with help from the CCPG to instruct readers on how to identify and address problem gambling behaviours in themselves or in others. It includes contact details for the CCPG Helpline so readers can access assistance from qualified counsellors.

Brochures on responsible gambling are stocked at our venues and posters are displayed in visible areas. We also stock business cards with CCPG contact details in Spanish and English that are readily available to individuals who may need more information or may be observed by staff exhibiting risky behaviours.

Self-Exclusion is a more serious action available to Connecticut consumers. It is a step taken voluntarily by the customer who has self-identified as having a problem with gambling.  Once someone has Self Excluded strict state regulations are triggered that enable staff to assist and support the self-exclusion.

Training and Education

In Connecticut, the Senior Operations Manager of Sportech Venues is responsible for staff training on issues related to Responsible Gambling. 

Team members receive awareness training on problem gambling issues with regular opportunities for additional training. Direct training is conducted with Managers and Assistant Managers who are then responsible for on-going training of local branch personnel. They use monthly manager meetings and other opportunities to discuss the signs of disordered gambling and what to do if they observe behaviour that they believe is a problem. Team members use CCPG documentation and training materials to ensure that information is current and accurate. 

The CCPG also occasionally attends division-wide management meetings to present information on identifying problem gambling and to educate team members on the dramatic impact disordered gambling can have on an individual’s life and well-being.