SkillOnNet Introduces an Early Warning System to Deter Problem Gambling
SkillOnNet, an established online casino platform provider, announced a programme designed to detect possible signs of gambling-related harm and alert players who might be developing risky habits.
SkillOnNet partnered with data science and psychology specialist Neccton to develop and introduce its ‘Safer Gambling Tool’, called ‘Mentor’. The company planned to offer it across its SkillOnNet casinos. Brands included Slingo, popular online casinos such as Play Ojo, Play Million, Slots Magic, Royal Bet and Lucky Vegas. The announcement said these brands were licensed through SkillOnNet by the Malta Gaming Authority, UK Gambling Commission and Swedish Gambling Authority.
The announcement said members at SkillOnNet casinos would be enrolled in ‘Mentor’ automatically. While people played real-money games, the system would monitor specific behaviours, changes in habits and unusual risk patterns linked by research to potential problem gambling. These signals could prompt an alert as an early indication of a possible concern.
When ‘Mentor’ flagged a player, it was designed to offer feedback through the casino and send messages tailored to that individual. SkillOnNet described the communications as a way to help members recognise and avoid risks and harms associated with developing gambling problems or addictive behaviours.
Someone experiencing gambling problems may not realise difficulties are developing until the consequences become serious. Mentor was designed to flag potential concerns sooner and encourage players to reflect on their situation. The announcement suggested a warning could prompt someone to take a problem-gambling assessment, while giving SkillOnNet casinos a reason to point out self-help tools such as self-exclusion, budget limits and betting limits.
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Clinical psychologists Stephen Rollnick and William R Miller developed the follow-up messages sent after an alert. Detecting potential signs of harm was only one part of the plan; the communications also needed to encourage flagged players to take the warning seriously.
The approach was called ‘motivational interviewing’, using prompts to help people consider changes to their behaviour. At the time, SkillOnNet and Neccton expected additional research using collected data to guide improvements to the tool and assess its effects on the online casino sector.
Andy Andrew, then head of SkillOnNet’s compliance department, welcomed Mentor’s development. He said the platform could provide members connected with the brand with practical support and advice aimed at reducing the risk of gambling addiction. Andrew added that the system would evolve in line with academic evidence and best practices, and that it was available to SkillOnNet casino brands and white-label partners.
The announcement presented Mentor as a distinctive use of technology to address gambling-related harm in the online casino industry. Its effectiveness would depend on how its alerts and follow-up messages worked in practice. The article said future research would help SkillOnNet and Neccton refine the system and assess its impact.
Evan Carrington brings more than 12 years of experience in the iGaming industry, with a focus on reviewing online casinos, assessing slot games and examining player safety. Their work covers casino licensing, RTP, volatility, bonus terms and withdrawal policies. Drawing on practical testing and independent research, Evan provides clear, evidence-based reviews to help players understand gambling platforms, their features and possible risks.
