US Gambling Giants Launch Responsible Gaming Association

n a significant move towards promoting responsible gambling practices, seven leading online gambling operators in the United States have joined hands to establish the Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA). This coalition aims to advocate for and uphold responsible gambling standards within the rapidly expanding online gaming industry.

The founding members of ROGA include BetMGM, bet365, DraftKings, Fanatics Betting and Gaming, FanDuel, Hard Rock Digital, and PENN Entertainment. Together, these operators represent a substantial portion of the legalized US online casino and sports betting markets, covering over 85% of the sector.

 

The Key Movements

• Collaboration: Seven major US online gambling operators, representing over 85% of the market, have joined forces to establish the Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA).
• Leadership and Mission: Dr. Jennifer Shatley, an experienced figure in the gambling industry, will lead ROGA as its executive director. The association aims to prioritize responsible gaming through education, awareness, and collaboration with stakeholders.
• Industry Impact: The formation of ROGA comes at a time of significant growth in legal online gambling in the US. It underscores a proactive approach by leading operators to address concerns around problem gambling and promote a sustainable gaming environment.

 

The formation of ROGA marks a milestone as it brings together major players in the industry to collectively address the issue of problem gambling. One of the key initiatives of ROGA involves the sharing of information regarding players who have been excluded from gambling activities due to gambling-related issues. Richard Taylor, the director of responsible gambling at BetMGM, emphasized the significance of prioritizing responsible gaming. He stated:

 

“It is imperative for every operator to take RG seriously.”

 

Taylor expressed BetMGM's commitment to fostering responsible gambling and highlighted the collaborative efforts within ROGA to achieve this goal. To spearhead its mission, ROGA has appointed Dr. Jennifer Shatley as its executive director. With over 25 years of experience in the gambling industry, Shatley brings a wealth of expertise in responsible gaming practices. She expressed her enthusiasm for leading ROGA and outlined the organization's focus on education, awareness, and collaboration with stakeholders to promote responsible online gaming.

Under Shatley's leadership, ROGA plans to undertake various initiatives, including research, education, promoting best practices, and establishing an independent certification program. These efforts aim to enhance consumer protections and facilitate easier access to responsible gaming tools for online gamblers.

The launch of ROGA comes at a time when legal online gambling is experiencing unprecedented growth in the US. With legal sports betting permitted in thirty-eight states and online casinos in seven states, the industry has witnessed a surge in participation, as evidenced by record-breaking betting figures during events like the Super Bowl and NCAA tournaments.

However, alongside this expansion, concerns regarding problem gambling have also heightened. Recognizing the need for proactive measures, ROGA's establishment aligns with ongoing initiatives like Problem Gambling Awareness Month, which seeks to raise public awareness and support services for individuals affected by gambling addiction.

While ROGA's formation represents a collaborative effort among major industry players, it's worth noting that some prominent operators, such as Caesars, have pursued their own strategies for responsible gambling. Caesars, for instance, focuses on age verification measures to prevent underage gambling, even in states where the legal gambling age is lower than the standard 21.

In conclusion, the establishment of ROGA reflects a proactive approach by leading online gambling operators to address the challenges of problem gambling and promote responsible gaming practices. By pooling resources, expertise, and initiatives, ROGA aims to contribute towards a sustainable and socially responsible online gambling environment in North America.