ROGA Launches National College Gambling Education Campaign

he Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA) has announced a comprehensive national education campaign set to launch in early 2025. Partnering with EPIC Global Solutions, Kindbridge Behavioral Health, and the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC), ROGA aims to equip university students with crucial knowledge and skills for navigating gambling responsibly.

Campaign Overview

ROGA’s initiative focuses on a multi-faceted educational approach tailored specifically for university-aged students. By leveraging digital tools, the program will provide a broad spectrum of resources designed to promote responsible gambling practices and financial literacy across diverse student populations in the US.

Dr. Jennifer Shatley, Executive Director of ROGA, emphasized the program’s core objective: “A main goal of ROGA is to promote responsible gaming education and awareness across various audiences, including the college-aged demographic.” This sentiment reflects a commitment to addressing gambling-related issues through targeted education and support.

Key Features of the Program

1. Educational Objectives: The program is designed to set realistic expectations for gambling, encourage informed decision-making, and ensure that gaming remains a form of entertainment rather than a financial strategy. Integral to this mission is the incorporation of personal narratives from individuals affected by gambling issues, aiming to humanize and destigmatize the subject.
2. Financial Literacy Component: Recognizing the intersection of gambling and financial management, the program includes comprehensive financial literacy training. Topics such as budgeting, saving, debt management, and understanding risks are covered to foster responsible financial habits among students. This element underscores the connection between sound financial practices and responsible gambling.
3. Addressing Misconceptions: The curriculum also tackles common myths about gambling, including the illusion of control and misconceptions related to sports betting. By clarifying complex mathematical concepts such as odds and probability, the program seeks to debunk erroneous beliefs and enhance students’ understanding of gambling dynamics.
4. Pilot and Expansion: Initial rollout will involve collaborations with several universities to pilot extended content, including interactive tools tailored to specific needs, such as those of student-athletes. This phase will help refine the program and assess its effectiveness before a broader implementation.
5. Accessibility: In a bid to maximize reach, digital delivery platforms will make the educational resources available to all college-aged individuals, regardless of their university affiliation. This inclusive approach ensures that even those outside the formal educational system benefit from the campaign’s offerings.

Strategic Partnerships

The campaign is backed by significant players in the online gambling sector, including Bally’s, BetMGM, Bet365, DraftKings, Fanatics, FanDuel, Hard Rock, and Penn Entertainment. Their support highlights a collective industry commitment to promoting responsible gambling practices and supporting educational initiatives that benefit the broader community.

Tessa Fiore, VP of Partnerships at EPIC Global Solutions, underscored the importance of combining expert knowledge with personal stories in the program. She stated, “By combining expert knowledge with personal stories of those who have experienced gambling-related harm, this education is critical for young adults coming of age in a post-PASPA world.”

Daniel Umfleet, Founder and CEO of Kindbridge Behavioral Health, also praised the initiative, noting its role in helping young adults make informed and financially responsible decisions regarding gambling.

Conclusion

ROGA’s upcoming education campaign represents a crucial step forward in addressing the challenges of responsible gambling among college students. By integrating financial literacy, debunking myths, and utilizing personal stories, the program aims to create a well-rounded educational experience that supports informed, responsible gaming practices and financial management. As the initiative prepares for its 2025 launch, it promises to make a significant impact on student communities across the United States.