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Increased monitoring, new checking systems....and a major donation of $25 000 to Gamcare
The management at Jackpot Factory group has drawn a line under the disastrous search engine optimisation debacle that generated major player outrage in recent months (see previous InfoPowa bulletins)
Following an on-site investigation ordered by the player protection and online gambling standards body eCommerce and Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance (eCOGRA) Jackpot Factory was the subject of a compliance committee hearing over an outsourced search engine optimisation program that targeted vulnerable audiences. The group's internal checking mechanisms failed and have been replaced with new systems ordered by the eCOGRA audit to avoid any repetition, and the offending material has been taken down.
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In an act of penitence and good faith the company has made an unconditional donation of $25 000 to the Gamcare responsible gambling body. The group has had it's suspended "Play It Safe" seals reinstated, but will be the subject of increased monitoring by the eCOGRA standards body until further notice.
The following is the content of a Jackpot Factory statement released this week:
"The management of the Jackpot Factory Group was informed yesterday by the Compliance Committee of eCommerce and Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance (eCOGRA) that the suspension of its "Play It Safe" seals is to be lifted with immediate effect. This follows a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding an unacceptable search engine optimization campaign in which Jackpot Factory contractors were involved.
"The group will be the subject of increased monitoring by eCOGRA to ensure that compliance with new content guidelines, developed with the assistance of eCOGRA and their independent auditors, is maintained.
"We have on two occasions expressed our regret at this incident, and our apologies that the campaign was not picked up by our marketing control system before it was released onto the Internet. Those employees responsible for this lapse have been disciplined. With the aid of eCOGRA advisers we have now introduced system improvements that will prevent a recurrence of this much regretted incident.
"We would like to emphasize that at no time was there ever any intention of targeting vulnerable audiences with this material on the part of Jackpot Factory management. We are pleased that the findings of the Compliance Committee confirm this is their view as well.
"Fortunately, there is no evidence to show that any individual or group of individuals were harmed or persuaded to indulge in potentially harmful behavior by the campaign. We believe we reacted timeously and energetically in removing the offending material as quickly as possible under the circumstances. We have cooperated fully with the eCOGRA investigation and the application of remedial measures.
"Jackpot Factory is satisfied that it has received fair and professional treatment from the Compliance Committee in this matter.
"Company staff has learned hard but positive lessons. We are committed to ensuring that this unacceptable practice will not reoccur. We are now determined to move forward and recover our formerly solid reputation as a tier one, eCOGRA-approved online gambling group and proud holder of the "Play It Safe" seal.
"As a gesture of good faith and in view of the fact that we have let down many within the player community, we have decided to make a voluntary donation of $25,000 to GamCare. We hope this, together with the other actions outlined above, will go some way towards making amends for this unfortunate matter."
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