MGC Director of Research and Responsible Gaming Mark Vander Linden recently provided an update on his work with international jurisdictions, including his collaboration with the Singapore National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG).

Vander Linden was invited in 2019 for a two-year appointment to the NCPG’s International Advisory Panel, which Vander Linden said invites stakeholders from around the world “to share their knowledge or their experience to help Singapore develop innovative, informed responsible gaming tools and projects.”

Vander Linden has shared information related to the MGC’s robust research agenda and efforts through the innovative responsible gaming program GameSense, along with PlayMyWay, a first-of-its-kind budget-setting tool for slot machine play at Plainridge Park Casino.

“Every two years, the IAP hosts a seminar that invites Singapore’s two casinos, as well a variety of other government and social service agency stakeholders,” Vander Linden said. “During the latest IAP seminar, I provided a presentation on the Massachusetts Gaming Impact Cohort (MAGIC) study and the PlayMyWay play management system.”

Vander Linden mentioned that Singapore’s two casinos, Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa, both implemented play management systems similar to Massachusetts’ program within the past few years.

“I think it’s a great example of how we’re bringing our experience and our expertise to a jurisdiction that’s a long way away, but there’s enough similarities that I think that it translates really well,” Vander Linden said. “I think it’s a really good opportunity for us to have a better understanding of how other jurisdictions have taken some of this technology and really run with it, and things that we can learn from it.”

Vander Linden also mentioned his collaboration with other international jurisdictions, including continued work with the British Columbia Lottery Corporation and advising for Jamaica.

“There is a relatively small number of professionals focused on responsible gaming and problem gambling, and we have an obligation and opportunity to learn from one another,” Vander Linden said. “I think our relationship with Singapore is a great example of that.”

“I’m really happy that you continue this work, Mark,” MGC Commissioner Enrique Zuniga told Vander Linden during a public meeting on May 6. “It’s a great way to bring back best practices that are emerging in other jurisdictions for the benefit of our own programs here. As the industry grows through the online space, and with all kinds of potential for expansion, it’s incumbent upon us to continue knowing about all those best practices.”

For more information on the MGC’s commitment to responsible gaming, click here.