The value of information sharing
Guest article provided by IAGR partner, Greo Evidence Insights.
Information sharing across different jurisdictions—whether it involves gambling data, financial information, research, or details about illegal activities—allows for the development of informed best practices. This sharing presents a significant opportunity to improve strategies for preventing and addressing gambling-related harms, strengthening player protections, and combating illegal gambling.
By establishing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), joint regulatory frameworks, and collaborative agreements, jurisdictions and sectors can effectively exchange best practices, share regulatory updates, and proactively tackle common challenges. Additionally, they can share player data in compliance with relevant laws, including transactional information and behavioural indicators.
What are examples of regulatory best practice for cooperation, coordination, and data sharing?
Recently published gambling research
Below is a selection of resources that may help to inform regulatory approaches to information sharing across jurisdictions:
- Changes in gambling products associated with harms based on helpline data from three Nordic countries
- An examination of gambling behaviour and gambling-related harm using self-report and open banking data
- Exploring the potential of player-tracking systems in reducing gambling-related harm
- A review of research using behavioural data provided by gambling operators
- Predicting problem gambling with machine learning models: Insights from player tracking data across three countries
Evidence-informed action
The following are examples of information sharing and collaboration that might be considered when developing or revising data sharing agreements.
Malta
The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in October 2024, to improve the exchange of information and intelligence between the two regulators. This enhanced cooperation aims to better protect consumers, prevent criminal activity, and safeguard vulnerable players from gambling-related harm.
Ireland
In 2023, The Institute of Public Health in Ireland produced the report ‘Children and gambling – evidence to inform regulation and responses in Ireland’. The report was produced to inform the development of regulation, policy, programmes and services seeking to protect children from gambling harm.
The report is based on a secondary analysis of the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Drugs (ESPAD), a cross-sectional, nationally representative survey conducted and shared between more than 35 European countries that examines risk behaviours, trends, and substance use among students aged 15–16 years.
Lagos, Nigeria
In 2024, the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority signed a MoU with the UKGC. The MOU is expected to strengthen the regulatory framework for gaming in Lagos, providing greater protection for both consumers and operators.
