Jan Rehola: Strengthening Gambling Regulations for Better Player Protection

The Institute for Gambling Regulation, led by Jan Rehola, is working to promote stronger player protection measures, gambling harm prevention, and efforts against the black market in the Czech Republic. This initiative is part of a broader framework of responsible gambling, focusing on bringing together operators, regulators, politicians, researchers, treatment professionals, and other experts.

Jan Rehola likened common efforts in the regulated market towards strengthening consumer protection to a peloton, where cyclists stick together to help overcome drag for 90% of the race. This analogy underscores the Institute's core idea of promoting cooperation and shared goals to protect consumers, making it better for both businesses and players. The remaining 10% of the race is left to operators competing to capture player interest and retain paying customers.

The Institute for Gambling Regulation has initiated the IRIS framework, a cross-operator system designed to help identify risky gambling behavior, intervene and support players early on, no matter where they gamble. This framework is part of the Institute's efforts to push for a better understanding of pressing issues vis-à-vis player safety based on evidence, data sharing, and self-regulation.