eCOGRA quarterly report
Updated eGAP, website revamp and new developments
July 2, 2004
The quarterly report just out from online casino self-regulation
body eCOGRA indicates brisk business for the full-time staffers
at the head office in London.
CEO Andrew Beveridge reports that the Board has approved new eGAP
regulation updates, the website is undergoing a revamp, there are
new information security guidelines and plans for a substantial
advertising push are well advanced.
The next cycle of Pricewaterhouse Coopers reviews starts this month
for some of the previously approved operators, Beveridge says in
the report, which was circulated to the 44 casino managements currently
holding eCOGRA seals. Independent inspections and continuous monitoring
to ensure eGAP compliance form part of the seal casino obligations.
A new version of eGAP was approved on 15 June 2004 and has been
distributed to the approved software providers and members. The
latest version of eGAP includes new requirements which reflect the
organizations commitment to continually raise the bar for compliance
and player protection.
With increasing numbers of casino members entering the poker sector,
the drafting of eGAP requirements for poker has been a priority
and is apparently coming along well. This important addition to
the regulations should be finalized and approved by the independent
directors in the near future.
The information security policy prepared by Pricewaterhouse Coopers
as eCOGRA's independent third party contractor has been distributed
to all approved operators and represents best practice standards
for the online gaming industry.
Policy documents for additional eGAP requirements, to include areas
like social responsibility and uniform industry accounting definitions
are also in preparation.
The eCOGRA website will have a more personal look, additional information
and new facilities when it is relaunched in the near future.
Taking on board comments and suggestions from the playing community
and operators alike, the staff have been burning the midnight oil
to make this important part of the eCOGRA image friendlier and more
informative for the players. The target is to have the revamped
site live before the end of July.
On the marketing front, Beveridge reports that whilst the approval
and compliance monitoring activity will continue apace, the Board
is now focusing on the next phase of eCOGRA development, which is
communicating to the players and the industry in general the benefits
of safe, efficient and fair gambling at genuinely regulated casinos...and
the desirability of joining a real organization with practical regulatory
requirements.
The Board recently obtained legal opinion on potential marketing
activities to be undertaken by eCOGRA as a self-regulatory organization
in key online gaming markets. A dedicated and highly professional
player advertising campaign based on solid market research is being
formulated using this opinion, which once implemented will have
obvious benefits for players and approved operators alike.
"However", Beveridge concludes his report,
"...the best marketing, and the key to success for the
eCOGRA initiative remains in the hands of the members: efficient
and diligent application of the eGAP regulations for the benefit
of players; fast Support response and courteous communication with
the players at all times; fast and efficient accounts operations
to ensure players are paid promptly and rapid attention to any complaints."
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