LONDON – (Press Release) -- As a step toward providing player representation for eCOGRA approved online casino websites, eCOGRA today announced the appointment of Julie Sidwell as a fair gaming advocate.
eCOGRA's goal with regard to a fair gaming advocate is to provide players with assurances that fair gaming issues will be dealt with professionalism and care and that player concerns are treated seriously at eCOGRA approved web sites.
According to Andrew Beveridge, CEO of eCOGRA, Julie Sidwell, who is widely recognized as the online gaming industry's leading specialist for independent mediation, has been appointed by the eCOGRA Board as a fair gaming advocate. Julie will assist in ensuring that eCOGRA's initial procedures incorporate important player safeguards.
"Julie Sidwell was the Administrator of Gambling Grumbles for Gambling.com, in charge of dispute resolution between casinos and players over the last four years. She has written many articles for Gambling OnLine Magazine, with regard to player disputes and casino responses, and has assisted several operators in the training of staff to prevent disputes and increase resolution efficiency," said Beveridge.
"Julie will assist in the implementation of effective dispute resolution procedures, an important component of the eCOGRA mission. Her role will be similar to that of a 'players' representative' to have concerns dealt with quickly and professionally," Beveridge added.
"eCOGRA is a positive step toward building credibility in the online gaming industry. I am excited about the opportunity to work with the industry's leading software suppliers and operators in taking positive steps toward protecting players and providing recognizable fair gaming. I look forward to beginning my work and providing added value to eCOGRA members, approved casinos and their players," said Sidwell.
"Player protection is a cornerstone of eCOGRA's mission. Julie's prior experience as an advocate for fair online gaming is something that we are very pleased to bring to eCOGRA. Her experience with complaint resolution is a welcome addition to the eCOGRA team," said Beveridge.
eCOGRA was created with backing from Microgaming Software Systems Ltd, the largest licensor of Internet casinos, and Virtual Holdings Ltd, owner and operator of Casino-on-Net, one of the largest Internet casino companies.