European video games industry association ISFE, welcomes Danish Gambling Authority’s move to block 15 illegal skin-betting websites.
ISFE, the European video games industry association, has welcomed the Danish Gambling Authority’s decision to ask telecommunications companies to block 15 illegal skin-betting sites in the country.
Discussing the move ISFE CEO, Simon Little, said:
“We call on gambling authorities across Europe to follow the example of the Danish Gambling authority to further support efforts to stop illegal practices such as “skin-betting” where third party gambling sites allow consumers to bet and trade on virtual items.
“Video games businesses do not allow, facilitate, or condone the conversion of virtual items or currencies into money or the use of them outside the game such as within unlicensed third-party gambling sites.
“The video games sector takes its responsibility to consumers, and particularly to children, very seriously and is currently funding education campaigns around Europe to inform parents about responsible game play and the dangers of skin-betting and unauthorised trading of virtual goods with third parties so that parents can have informed discussions with their children and encourage enjoyable and appropriate gaming.”
The ISFE also reiterated the importance of parental control tools, which are pre-installed on every platform on which children can play video games, allowing parents to block spending or set spending limits, control the amount of time spent on games and online generally, and to manage the sharing of information with other players.
AYO.NEWS says:
While the move to block illegal skin-betting sites is of course welcome, its also good to see the ISFE reminding parents that they have a responsibility to monitor and control their children’s gaming and online habits, and are already provided with the tools to do so.
In related news, last month the Danish authorities announced their intention to introduce a new code of conduct for the gambling industry, including restrictions on gambling advertising and stronger consumer protection (read more).
