Our working groups
Created to identify and address issues impacting gambling sector, our working groups serve as dynamic forums fostering the exchange of industry best practices. These groups play a pivotal role in the development of GREF’s policy positions, ensuring a comprehensive and informed approach to regulatory matters. Chaired by approved members appointed by the Board, these groups are instrumental in facilitating engagement, harnessing shared experiences, and leveraging collective knowledge.
Anti-Money Laundering (AML)
Chaired by: Christophe Vidal, AML coordinator (Autorité Nationale des Jeux) & Rachel Bezzina, AML Manager (Malta Gaming Authority)
The AML Working Group was established by GREF to facilitate the exchange of information and collaboration among its members regarding AML matters. The key objectives of the group include creating a platform for information exchange, best practices, and collaboration, fostering discussions on AML/CFT frameworks, and organising joint training opportunities for GREF members. The group aims to enhance members’ abilities in regulating AML/CFT obliged entities in the gambling sector at both national and international levels, promoting efficient and sustainable practices. Additionally, the group seeks to encourage improvements in applicable frameworks to mitigate the risk of criminally derived funds being laundered through gambling services provided by regulated entities under diverse national frameworks.
Digital & Innovation (D&I)
Chaired by: Jamie Wall, Senior Manager (UK Gambling Commission) & Wessel Oomen, Scientific Employee (Kansspelautoriteit)
With a focus on new Gambling, technological and societal changes that affect the markets we regulate, the D&I working group prepares GREF members to manage new risks that emerge in this space. This is achieved through sharing and understanding emerging trends which impact how the gambling market operates as well as collaborating on areas that could make an impact not necessarily achieved by working independently. The group aims to ensure that GREF members adapt to the ways the profile of the sector is changing and helps to make sure the consumer protections are fully effective as the market evolves.
Enforcement
Chaired by: Nuriye Erbas, Senior Advisor – Enforcement (Kansspelautoriteit) & Eric Sjoden, Senior Advisor to the Presidency, European and International Affairs (ANJ)
The Enforcement Working Group serves as a collaborative platform for regulators operating in diverse jurisdictions, recognising the common objective of creating a secure gambling environment in the face of challenges posed by illegal online activities. Despite variations in regulatory frameworks, the group emphasises the value of shared ideas and insights among regulators. Additionally, members engage in discussions and the exchange of best practices.
Information & Statistics (InfoStat)
Chaired by: Peter Spiteri, Chief Officer – Finance & Business Transformation (Malta Gaming Authority)
The Information & Statistics (InfoStat) Working Group is dedicated to establishing and maintaining an informal network of experts within GREF members, with a primary focus on facilitating the exchange of views and the provision of relevant statistical information from member jurisdictions. Additionally, the group aims to encourage discussions and the sharing of initiatives related to the utilisation of data and statistics by GREF members for regulatory and supervision purposes. Through these objectives, the working group enhances the collective understanding and application of data-driven approaches in regulatory practices within the GREF community.
Responsible Gambling
Chaired by: Marina Yiannikouri, Head of Responsible Gaming & Social Responsibility (Cyprus Gaming & Casino Supervision Commission) & Jonny Engebø, Special adviser PhD (the Norwegian Gambling and Foundation Authority)
The Responsible Gambling working group focuses on protection of the consumers of gambling services and citizens in general. With a primary focus on reducing problematic gambling behavior and mitigating harm to individuals and societies. The group’s objectives include fostering discussions and initiatives related to the protection of consumers of gambling services, organising meetings to establish a shared understanding of consumer protection, and enhancing GREF members’ efforts to regulate gambling markets sustainably through a focus on prevention and harm reduction.