Marker Trax’ Tina Robinson has worked for more than 20 years with gaming companies, mostly in the compliance field.
In her new role with the company as Senior Vice President, Compliance, she has to balance the traditional needs of the gaming industry with Marker Trax features that include a unique marker system that works as an alternative to cash transactions.
Robinson also has to adhere to and account for responsible gaming protocols.
Responsible gaming and compliance “go hand-in-hand to ensure the safety of our customers” Robinson tells CDC Gaming, adding that the goal is to ensure “that they are able to bet within their means. The customer is a priority … Compliance is to make sure that we meet every one of those rules and regulations with RG. They’re pretty strict.”
Working from guidelines established by the American Gaming Association, the Marker Trax team keeps abreast of every regulatory platform. Robinson notes that this allows them to stay current on various regulations and amendments and keeps Marker Trax informed on what changes might be necessary.
Robinson says it is particularly important to keep track of regulations for online wagering sites by jurisdiction. There are instances where a statute permits Marker Trax to operate, but regulations are a Byzantine puzzle to be solved.
“We’re trying to really argue, ‘what does that other cash equivalent look like?’ We feel that our product is in the standard, meets the requirements, but yet the rule isn’t there,” Robinson said. “So there, it’s unknown. And a lot of times they don’t like the unknown. The very first thing the regulator says is, ‘where are you live right now? Who’s that first person to go first so that we understand what you’re trying to do.’ ”
Robinson notes that most regulators are inclined to work with Marker Trax to attempt to iron out issues. While the rules may be stringent, regulators most often will try to find a solution, reviewing the product and white papers, participating in demos.
But there are times when an explanation does not allow us to progress. A regulator may have just decided they don’t like the product.
“It’s really hard, but then you pick yourself up and you go to the next state, and you get you a win,” Robinson says. “But I think that’s one of the biggest frustrations is knowing that we meet the regulation, we meet the intent of that regulation, but it’s just the regulator is unfamiliar (with it) and just doesn’t feel comfortable, so they say ‘no’.”
