JOA Group becomes the first French operator to meet the ECA's Responsible Gambling Framework criteria

ECA has confirmed in a press release that the certification of its 33 casinos ensures that JOA is operating in accordance with the latest industry-backed responsible gaming standards for licensed land-based casinos in Europe.

Regarding this new achievement, Pauline Boyer Martin, director of marketing for JOA Group, comments that "Compliance strengthens the trust of our customers in our business". And she, she adds that “It also contributes to the positive image of our industry and our company, as the first French group certified at European level”.

In this line, Pauline Boyer Martin, has highlighted the completeness of the process and that it has required the participation of the entire team at different stages and says: "Certification requires that we consider the customer journey from a new perspective to ensure we offer the best protection to the players who choose to visit our landbased casinos”.

In this way, the JOA group joins an ever-increasing list of ECA members currently certified according to the Responsible Gambling Framework 2018, which includes Casino Cosmopol (Sweden), Casino 2000 (Luxembourg), Spielbanken Niedersachsen, Spielbanken Baden-Württemberg and Spielbanken Sachsen Anhalt (Germany) Holland Casino, Casinos Austria and the Veikkaus casinos in Tampere and Helsinki, with several other leading operators currently undergoing the process of certification.

Regarding this new certification, Per Jaldung, president of the ECA, congratulated the JOA Group and underlined that "The continued adoption of the ECA's Responsible Gambling Framework by our members is a source of pride for the whole land-based gaming sector in Europe”.

Laurent Lassiaz, President and CEO, JOA Group and ECA board member, has been closely involved in the JOA process of certification. “For me, it is key for the future of our industry, that 100 per cent of members adopt the standards because we need to move the lines and show that our industry is virtuous and clean, which is not always the feeling in the general opinion. We must act for the better, for the future.”

“For JOA, playing is a relaxation and must remain a pleasure. The achievement of this certification, a seal of excellence, is a source of great satisfaction for all JOA Group employees, because it confirms the relevance and soundness of our years-old practices in responsible gaming. It recognizes all the efforts that are invested in it. This certification reflects who JOA is an innovative and responsible operator. The certification process represents a tremendous amount of work, investment and enthusiasm on the part of the teams, which I am sure will be very proud that JOA is the first French casino operator to obtain this certification at European level,” adds Pauline Boyer-Martin.

The main criteria of the ECA Responsible Gambling Framework covers the following topics:

• Employee Training
• Player Education
• Entrance Policies
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Advertising and Marketing
• Research and Awareness

ECA emphasizes that this certification is awarded to members after an independent third-party audit has been performed. The ECA Responsible Gaming Framework has been developed with input and leadership from eminent researchers in the field of gambling addiction over several years.

On the other hand, Pieter Remmers, Chairman of the Board of G4 (Global Gambling Guidance Group), highlights that “JOA has proven to be an excellent initiator and supporter of the RG policy that they have established and further developed”.