Following his high-level participation at this week’s “Forum on Responsible Gaming and Gambling Policy”, held under the umbrella of the G7 Meeting in Canada, Shawn Fluharty, Head of Government Affairs at Play’n GO, and also a state lawmaker who helped legalise iGaming in West Virginia, talked exclusively with iGamingFuture about the imperative of working with legislators and regulators from First Light.
This key issue in the drive to build compliance, legality and sustainability in the international gambling industry is one that will also be further championed at the upcoming G20 and UN Summits later this year.
As the only online supplier invited to take part in the forum–which explored a practical and coordinated global framework for Responsible Gaming and Gambling Policy–, Play’n GO is in a unique position to help define the next generation of legislation and regulation in North America, and beyond.
Fluharty spoke to iGaming Future about the imperative of engaging with lawmakers at the get-go – “at First Light”.
We opened this compelling Q&A with one essential yet simple query: What does it take to become a truly trusted partner?
And why is it critical for gaming companies to engage with lawmakers early in the regulatory process? What benefits can this proactive involvement bring to both the industry and regulators?
“Engaging early allows companies to close the education gap that often exists between legislators and modern iGaming realities.
“Many policymakers still don’t realise that online casinos are available on every smartphone, even in places where iGaming isn’t yet regulated, so without industry input, regulators may draft laws that miss key consumer-protection features or unintentionally drive players into unregulated channels.
“By participating at the outset, companies can explain how a robust regulatory framework protects consumers, shrinks the black market, and generates tax revenue. Regulators benefit from having real-world context, including data on player behaviour, safer-play tools, and market safeguards, while the industry gains the credibility that comes from being viewed as a trusted partner rather than an afterthought.
“Ultimately, early collaboration produces laws that work in practice instead of creating regulatory gaps regulators must correct later.”
Is the industry doing enough today to collaborate with lawmakers and regulators to close this gap?
“In one word: No!
“Too many operators and suppliers still sit on the sidelines, or hide behind trade associations, only speaking up when tax rates or business incentives are on the table. Very few are willing to publicly say ‘we need more regulation’, or to testify about predatory practices like sweepstakes casinos or bonus buys.
“As a result, most regulators only hear from academics or NGOs and lack a direct industry perspective. That leaves legislators without the information they need to craft balanced policy, and it allows unregulated operators to flourish.
“Play’n GO is one of the few suppliers willing to lead these conversations. Until more companies adopt a proactive, transparent approach, the education gap will persist and unregulated markets will continue to expand.”
What role do education and open dialogue play in shaping well-informed, sustainable gambling policies?
“Education is the single biggest challenge.
“Many legislative leadership teams consist of lawmakers, who may not know how iGaming works or understand the scale of unregulated play.
“Unless you bring them facts, like how many constituents are already using offshore sites without any consumer protections, they assume the harms of an unregulated market do not exist.
“Open dialogue ensures policymakers hear firsthand how game mechanics, age verification, and self-exclusion tools protect players.
“When regulators and legislators understand the full picture, consumer risks, technological safeguards and market dynamics, they can draft rules that balance innovation with safety. Without that dialogue, laws tend to be either too lax (letting the black market grow) or too restrictive (stifling a legal industry).
“By having that conversation early in the process, you build trust, create a shared understanding of best practices, and lay the groundwork for policies that deliver long-term stability.”
How does Play’n GO’s commitment to regulated markets–and rejection of grey-area opportunities–influence its discussions with policymakers and the industry’s reputation for sustainable growth?
“When we tell lawmakers that we will not do business with sweepstakes casinos, it instantly positions Play’n GO as a partner they can trust.
“This stance shows we believe sustainable growth comes from regulated, transparent markets, not from chasing quick revenue where consumer protections don’t exist. Policymakers see that we’re willing to walk away from lucrative, unregulated opportunities and leave money on the table, which demonstrates our genuine commitment to player welfare.
“As a result, our conversations become focused on long-term solutions;, how to craft rules that embed age checks, limit predatory features like bonus buys, and require operators to implement responsible-play tools from day one.
“By committing to licensed jurisdictions, Play’n GO conveys that we trust regulation to safeguard both players and the broader industry. That message often opens doors, because lawmakers know we’re not just seeking tax breaks, or looser rules; we’re advocating for a model built on consumer protections and best practices.”
