IAGR 2026 Lima

This session explores some of the most pressing challenges in responsible gambling regulation today — including emerging gambling products, VIP programs, non-traditional advertising and shifting financial behaviours. Panellists will examine current regulatory responses, identify potential gaps, and consider the real-world impact of these measures on player protection and market sustainability.

The regulator’s data and compliance functions play a crucial role in managing industry risks. Building effective risk management frameworks that facilitate the identification and processing of complex datasets supports more targeted regulatory interventions at a pre-enforcement stage, creating more opportunities for compliance. Understanding emerging risks, utilisation of data and automation are vital components in effective processing of licensed entities’ information at scale and being able to leverage the available information in a way that promotes a result-driven methodology.

This panel will delve into the challenges faced by regulators, focusing on the importance of utilising data in regulatory risk management frameworks, specifically risk matrix methodologies, compliance oversight and automation, regulatory reporting, and facilitating the engagement of licensees in delivering better compliance programs.

Since opening its online gambling market in 2021, the Netherlands has rapidly developed a more expansive regulatory approach. This session with the Dutch Gambling Authority will explore how and why that shift occurred and what other jurisdictions can learn from the transition.
With a newly released government vision now prioritising the prevention of gambling harm beyond individual player protection, the session will examine the market dynamics that prompted this change, and how Dutch policy is adapting. The discussion will also explore future regulatory directions and opportunities for international collaboration to create safer gambling environments.

As digital transformation accelerates across gambling markets, regulators face growing pressure to strengthen player protection while supporting sustainable industry growth. This session will explore how artificial intelligence and behavioural analytics are transforming responsible gambling through early risk detection and personalised interventions.
Drawing on real-world examples and academic collaborations, we’ll examine how AI systems analyse behavioural indicators to identify at-risk players before serious harm occurs. We’ll also share insights from ongoing research into the effectiveness of AI-driven interventions, including how different approaches to messaging influence player behaviour.
The discussion will cover emerging applications of AI, from 24/7 personalised chatbots to sentiment analysis and reinforcement learning, and highlight how over 20 jurisdictions have already integrated behavioural analytics into regulation.
Attendees will gain practical recommendations for fostering collaboration among regulators, operators and researchers to develop ethical standards for AI, support data sharing and ensure that technology complements—not replaces—human expertise.

Gambling addiction is a rising public health issue across Africa, worsened by limited awareness, cultural stigma and the rapid spread of online betting platforms. This session explores the disproportionate impact on vulnerable groups in Africa, especially young people, and examines how unregulated markets contribute to harm.

Drawing on regional insights, Joy will highlight effective strategies — including culturally tailored awareness campaigns, community-based recovery models and tech-driven responsible gambling tools — offering practical ideas for regulators.

Past and present IAGR presidents, Tom and Ben, will consider the role IAGR plays in the context of the gambling sector today and the power of collective action.