International Responsible Gambling Specialist Certification - IRGS I & II
Responsible Gambling/Gaming Industry Track about irgs certificationsresources for IRGS trainersThe IPGGC International Responsible Gambling Specialist (IRGS) certification is an internationally recognized credential developed to establish consistent standards of competence in responsible gambling and player protection. By aligning knowledge and skills with globally informed competency frameworks and best practices, IRGS certification provides employers, regulators, and industry stakeholders with confidence that individuals have achieved a recognized benchmark of professional excellence.
For gambling/gaming industry employees:
Gain the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills to support responsible gambling in your everyday role through accredited Responsible Gambling Training, designed by industry experts.
The program explores:
- Principles of responsible gambling
- How games and odds work
- Common gambling myths
- The player-risk spectrum
- Factors that can make some people more vulnerable to harm
Depending on your role and training level, you will also learn:
- How to recognize behavioral, financial, and emotional warning signs
- Communicate with customers in a calm, empathetic, and non-judgmental way
- Recommend appropriate safer gambling tools
- Follow effective signposting and escalation procedures
The training also addresses employee well-being, helping you establish appropriate boundaries and manage the emotional demands of difficult customer interactions.
For gambling/gaming industry employers:
Accredited Responsible Gambling Training gives your employees a consistent, practical framework for preventing harm and responding confidently when concerns arise.
The program builds understanding of:
- Gambling risks
- Player behaviors
- Game mechanics
- Higher-risk groups
- Indicators that may suggest escalating harm
It also develops the practical skills needed to:
- Hold sensitive conversations
- Challenge gambling myths
- Promote tools such as limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion
- Document concerns
- Escalate cases appropriately, while remaining clear about the boundaries of each employee’s role
By investing in this training, employers can strengthen their safer gambling culture, improve staff confidence and wellbeing, support regulatory and organizational responsibilities, reduce reputational risk, and demonstrate a credible commitment to player protection and sustainable business practice.
International Responsible gambling specialist - Level 1 (IRGS-i)
Foundational responsible gambling knowledge FOR ALL GAMBLING/GAMING INDUSTRY EMPLOYEES
IRGS-I is a foundational certification designed for all gambling industry professionals, regardless of department or role. It certifies a practical understanding of safer gambling principles, gambling-related harms and stigma, responsible gambling tools, player protection, vulnerable groups, indicators of harm, and ethical industry practices. The certification helps organizations build a stronger culture of responsibility, improves staff awareness and confidence, supports regulatory expectations, and demonstrates a commitment to safer and more sustainable gambling environments.
Employment Verification
Currently employed in the gambling/gaming industry OR currently seeking employment
Training
Minimum of 6 hours of approved responsible gambling training.
Does your employer offer in-house training? Ask if it is IPGGC-approved!
Payment
Individual Self-Pay $129
Employer-Sponsored – Small Group (5-24 seats) $119 per person (valid for 1 year)
Enterprise-Sponsored (25+ seats) $109 per person (valid for 1 year)
If your employer has paid for you, do not use this link. Ask your employer for the specific registration link for your organization.
International Responsible gambling specialist - Level 2 (IRGS-II)
Advanced practical knowledge and application for customer-facing industry employees
IRGS-II is an advanced certification designed for gambling industry professionals who communicate with and support customers. This training covers advanced customer-facing skills, including identifying emerging risks and behavioral markers, managing disclosures of harm, and employing empathetic, non-judgmental communication strategies. It also outlines role-specific escalation procedures, effective signposting, and essential workplace-based self-care practices.
Prerequisite
Completion of Level I training – minimum of 6 hours
Employment Verification
Currently employed in the gambling/gaming industry OR currently seeking employment
Training
Minimum of 12 hours of approved responsible gambling training: 6 hours at Level I and 6 hours at Level 2
Does your employer offer in-house training? Ask if it is IPGGC-approved!
Payment
Individual Self-Pay $169
Employer-Sponsored – Small Group (5-24 seats) $159 per person (valid for 1 year)
Enterprise-Sponsored (25+ seats) $149 per person (valid for 1 year)
If your employer has paid for you, do not use this link. Ask your employer for the specific registration link for your organization.
More Information and Common Questions
Recertification Details
- Recertification is required every 2 years
- Fees
- Level 1 – $95 USD
- Level 2 – $95 USD
- You must complete a minimum of 6 hours of training to maintain Level I and a minimum of 12 hours of training to maintain Level II
Can I apply for Level II only?
No. Level II builds upon Level I. Anyone seeking approval for IRGS-II must complete Level I first.
How do I register if my employer has paid for me?
If your employer has paid for you, do not use the links on this page. Ask your employer for the specific registration link for your organization.
How do I become an Approved Training Provider?
- All training applications must adhere to the Industry Core Competencies
- IRGS-I Application Fee: $75 USD, valid for 1 year
- IRGS-II Application Fee: $150, includes both Level I and II training programs
IRGS Approved Training Programs
Coming soon
Resources & FAQ for trainers Regarding IRGS-I & II
Does IPGGC approve the trainer or the program?
Approval applies to the submitted training program. Trainer credentials and experience are assessed as part of the training review, but approval does not constitute a separate accreditation of the trainer or provider. See the Training Approval Application for details.
Can I apply for Level II only?
Can online training be approved?
Yes. Both synchronous instructor-led and asynchronous self-paced trainings may be submitted. IPGGC will require access to the training or a virtual demonstration. IPGGC will post asynchronous self-paced trainings on the “Approved Training” page.
How long does a review of submitted trainings take?
Applicants should allow approximately two to four (2-4) weeks from receipt of the completed application, supporting evidence, and payment.
Email training@ipggc.org for questions and assistance.
Will IPGGC manage course registration?
Can IPGGC request changes to training programs?
How do I become an Approved Training Provider?
- All training applications must adhere to the Industry Core Competencies
- IRGS-I Application Fee: $75 USD, valid for 1 year
- IRGS-II Application Fee: $150, includes both Level I and II training programs