Safer Gambling is central to MERKUR UK’s philosophy, and to support the implementation of its policies and procedures, the company has expanded its team with six new roles. The team is led by Safer Gambling Compliance Manager Stacey Irvine and includes Safer Gambling Compliance Support Officer Dan Hargreaves, Safer Gambling Support Analyst William Bridgman, and four Regional Compliance Support Officers: Richard Smith, Linda Catmull, and Rebecca Kelly, with one position currently in the recruitment phase.
MERKUR UK has strengthened its Compliance Team with the creation of six new roles. Stacey Irvine brings over 25 years of industry experience to her role as Safer Gambling Compliance Manager. She is joined by Dan Hargreaves, who takes on the role of Safer Gambling Support Officer. Dan is a new external appointment with a background in both the teaching profession and the mental health sector.
Will Bridgman also joins the team, transitioning from his previous role in MERKUR UK’s HR department, where he specialised in recruitment. With a longstanding interest in compliance, Will saw this opportunity as the ideal moment to pursue a career he’s passionate about. Richard Smith and Linda Catmull, who both joined the team in March, bring a wealth of experience across operations and compliance. Richard has worked in the industry for over 21 years, while Linda is proudly marking her 20th year in the sector. Rebecca Kelly has recently started as another external appointment with regulatory financial compliance experience.
Head of Compliance Amanda Kiernan said: “The expansion of the SG Team reflects the importance that MERKUR places on safer gambling and is part of a broader programme which will see venue staff fully supported to embed a responsible gambling culture.”
“Stacey who has been with MERKUR for over a decade is responsible for identifying and assessing risks associated with gambling-related harm within MERKUR Slots venues as well as developing and implementing strategies and training programmes to promote responsible gambling practices and initiatives.”
Describing Dan Hargraves as an ambassador for the compliance department engaging with consumer facing team members she explained: “The Safer Gambling Support Officer role involves monitoring customer behaviour to identify signs of potential gambling-related harm, flagging potential risk and educating venue teams on safer gambling practices, such as setting limits and recognising the signs of problem gambling.
“It also involves conducting face to face workshops and refresher training as well as helping to implement and police the company’s responsible gambling policies and guidelines. Will’s role extends beyond data analysis and reporting; he will also deliver daily feedback to our teams, assist in identifying potential risks, and provide practical solutions. His insights will help the Regional Compliance Officers prioritise their efforts and determine which areas or venues require focused attention.
Amanda Kiernan added: “The role of the Regional Compliance Support Officers is to act as a business partner to each region, delivering face-to-face and on-the-job support. They are responsible for ensuring venue compliance, providing real-time coaching and feedback, identifying areas that require increased focus, and sharing best practices. Their work is key to embedding and reinforcing understanding of Safer Gambling policies, procedures, and initiatives across the business.
“These are key positions with defined roles and will help embed our safer gambling commitments throughout the MERKUR UK eco-system.”
MERKUR AG hold an Annual Group Compliance Workshop. April’s event was held at Castle Benkhausen and featured Compliance Managers from every MERKUR jurisdiction with the purpose of sharing best practice and experiences within the regulated compliance areas.
