Responsible Gaming Code of Conduct
The American Gaming Association (AGA) and its members pledge to prioritize responsible gaming as an integral part of our industry’s daily operations.
This pledge includes provisions on employee assistance and training, alcohol service, the provision of casino games including sports betting in person and online, and the advertising and marketing of casino gambling including sports betting. This Code also covers the commitment of our members to continue support for research initiatives and public awareness surrounding responsible gaming and underage gambling.
PLEDGE TO OUR PATRONS
To Promote Responsible Gaming
AGA members will make information available promoting responsible gaming and where to find assistance, including a toll-free help line number. This information will be available and visible on casino floors and at cash access devices.
AGA members will make available on their gaming-related websites information describing responsible gaming, their policies and practices related to responsible gaming and where to find assistance.
AGA members, where permitted by law, will make available to patrons and employees information generally explaining the probabilities of winning or losing at the various gambling games offered by the casino.
Each AGA casino and sports betting company will have a policy in effect for all of its casino properties providing opportunities for patrons to request in writing the revocation of their privileges for specific services such as:
- Casino-issued markers;
- Player club/card privileges;
- On-site check-cashing;
- Complimentaries; and
- Gambling promotions.
In addition, each AGA member shall make reasonable efforts on a facility-by-facility basis to honor a written request from any person, that it not knowingly grant that person access to gambling activities. For each person who makes such a request, the casino will provide the person with a listing of resources in the area surrounding the casino where assistance with gambling – related problems is available.
AGA members reserve the right to exclude a patron from gambling, without a request from the patron.
To Prevent Underage Gambling and Unattended Minors in Casinos
AGA member companies will make diligent efforts to prevent underage individuals from participating in any gambling or sports betting at casinos, loitering in the gaming area of a casino or from gaining access to online, mobile or in-room gambling opportunities.
AGA member companies will communicate the legal age to gamble through messaging, as appropriate, in their properties, on their casinos’ online platforms and in gambling and sports betting promotions.
Employees working in relevant areas will receive training in procedures for dealing with unattended children, underage gambling and the purchase and consumption of alcohol and tobacco by minors.
If a child appears to be unsupervised or in violation of local curfews and other laws, security or appropriate personnel will be contacted and reasonable steps will be taken to locate the parent or responsible adult on property or by telephone.
To Serve Alcoholic Beverages Responsibly
AGA member companies will observe a responsible beverage service policy including the following elements:
- Casinos will not knowingly serve alcoholic beverages to a minor.
- Casinos will not knowingly serve alcoholic beverages to a visibly intoxicated patron.
- Casinos will make a diligent effort not to permit casino gambling by a visibly intoxicated patron.
AGA casino companies will ensure that appropriate casino employees are trained in the company’s responsible alcoholic beverage service policy, and will provide periodic refresher training to those employees.
To Advertise Responsibly
This Code applies to AGA member companies’ advertising and marketing of casino gambling including sports betting. It does not pertain to advertising and marketing that is primarily of hotels, restaurants and entertainment that may be associated with or operated or promoted by casinos.
For the purposes of this code, advertising and marketing includes, among other media: radio and television ads, print, direct mail, social media, billboards and Internet promotions.
Casino gambling including sports betting advertising and marketing will:
- Contain a responsible gaming message and/or a toll-free help line number where practical.
- Reflect generally accepted contemporary standards of good taste.
- Strictly comply with all state and federal standards to make no false or misleading claims or create a suggestion that the probabilities of winning or losing at the various games offered by the casino, or by betting on sports contests, are different than those actually experienced.
Casino gambling including sports betting advertising and marketing will not:
- Contain images, symbols, celebrity/entertainer endorsements and/or language designed to appeal specifically to children and minors.
- Feature anyone who is or appears to be below the legal age to participate in gambling or sports betting activity or imply that underage persons engage in casino gambling or sports betting.
- Depart from contemporary standards of good taste that apply to all commercial messaging, as suits the context of the message or the medium utilized.
- Be placed with such intensity and frequency that they represent saturation of that medium or become excessive.
- Contain claims or representations that gambling activity will guarantee an individual’s social, financial or personal success.
- Be placed before any audience where most of the audience is ordinarily expected to be below the legal age to participate in gambling or sports betting activity.
- Imply or suggest any illegal activity of any kind.
PLEDGE TO OUR EMPLOYEES
AGA members will educate new employees on responsible gaming.
AGA members will train gaming employees on responsible gaming and provide annual or periodic refresher training. Employee training should highlight the differences between responsible gaming and gambling that is problematic.
AGA members will implement communications programs for employees to improve their understanding of responsible gaming and related policies and procedures.
AGA members will provide information to new and existing employees about responsible gaming, the member company’s policies and practices related to responsible gaming, and where to find assistance. AGA members will also ensure that employees receive timely updates regarding new research and new topics that should be integrated into the industry’s responsible gaming training programs.
AGA members will post responsible gaming awareness information, including a toll-free help-line number, at various locations where employees congregate.
PLEDGE TO THE PUBLIC
AGA will work with stakeholders to assist in the distribution of information and raise awareness regarding the industry commitment to responsible gaming.
AGA members will support and promote research-based policies on responsible gaming.
AGA members will continue to provide funding for the National Center for Responsible Gaming, which is the leading source of science-based research and information on gambling and health.
AGA members will use this research to identify the best practices for casinos to follow to promote responsible gaming.
AGA members will continue to develop a dialogue surrounding scientific research on gambling and health to communicate to and educate patrons, employees and policy-makers.
To Provide Oversight and Review
Each AGA member company will implement the Code and conduct annual reviews of its Responsible Gaming program.
References in this Code to providing certain “information” to employees and customers mean that AGA members will use those means of communication appropriate for each message, which may include any or all of a range of traditional, electronic and social media such as written brochures, posters, website postings or direct electronic messages.
**All aspects of AGA’s Code of Conduct are subject to local, state and federal laws.**
WASHINGTON – The American Gaming Association (AGA) kicked off the 21st annual Responsible Gaming Education Week by updating its Code of Conduct for Responsible Gaming to incorporate sports betting and add new provisions regarding responsible advertising.
AGA’s Code of Conduct guides industry efforts to build a more cohesive dialogue on responsible gaming. The updated code expands its guidelines to include wagers on sports, as well as new advertising provisions to ensure casino and sports betting marketing is targeted to an age-appropriate demographic with tasteful content and reasonable frequency.
“The American Gaming Association and its members are committed to fostering a gaming environment that focuses on education, wellbeing and responsibility,” said Sara Slane, AGA’s senior vice president of public affairs. “As gaming enters a new landscape, our industry is prepared to be a proactive partner in how we approach responsible gaming, highlighted today with our updated Code of Conduct that spells our obligations to our patrons, employees and communities.”
About Responsible Gaming Education Week:
Gaming operators and manufacturers across the United States will commemorate the industry’s responsible gaming efforts by holding dozens of local events and responsible gaming educational activities. AGA will host two Get to Know Responsible Gaming panels this week with industry leaders, responsible gaming experts and thought leaders in Las Vegas and Boston.
About AGA: The American Gaming Association is the premier national trade group representing the $261 billion U.S. casino industry, which supports 1.8 million jobs nationwide. AGA members include commercial and tribal casino operators, gaming suppliers and other entities affiliated with the gaming industry. It is the mission of the AGA to achieve sound policies and regulations consistent with casino gaming’s modern appeal and vast economic contributions.
###
Responsibility in gaming
A thriving gaming industry is built on a foundation of responsibility. It starts with our deep commitment to promoting responsible play with our customers and extends to building up the communities where we operate. It includes robust investments in our people, creating exciting career opportunities in vibrant workplaces.
Engaging in Responsible Play
Nearly half of all American adults participate in some form of gambling, with the majority choosing to do so for entertainment purposes. Our industry’s success depends on responsible, educated players. That’s why AGA members invest hundreds of millions annually in responsible gaming.
- Nearly every dollar states earmark for problem gambling services — almost $100 million just last year — comes from casino gaming taxes.
- The casino gaming industry is a strong supporter of independent academic research on responsible gambling and problem gambling treatment, including contributing $10 million in the last five years.
- We are the top marketers of problem gambling helplines like 1-800-GAMBLER, vital sources of support and counseling for those for whom gambling is no longer fun.
- We train our employees to monitor and assist customers who require help. Our strong culture of compliance ensures we uphold the highest standards of responsibility in our retail and online operations.
- AGA members are working to combine research on responsible play and problem gambling with data from customers, machine learning, and customer service to identify potentially risky patterns and support positive player experiences or provide help if needed.
Going Beyond High Regulatory Standards
Twenty-four states and 251 tribal governments invest more than $1.4 billion annually regulating the casino gaming industry. This makes gaming among the most regulated industries in the U.S., with over 5,000 state and tribal regulators establishing and enforcing stringent license and regulatory frameworks. These regulators provide continuous oversight to keep pace with the market’s growth. Our members view the license to operate as a privilege and strive to meet and exceed regulatory standards.
Beyond regulatory requirements, AGA members adhere to our Responsible Gaming Code of Conduct and our Responsible Marketing Code for Sports Wagering, pledging to prioritize responsible gaming in daily operations.
All 76 AGA members pledge to the Responsible Code of Conduct.
Protecting Younger Populations
Whether online or in person, our industry applies robust Know Your Customer protocols to confirm the age, identity, and source of funds
of players.
In addition to legal industry efforts, parents play an essential role in preventing underage gambling. We encourage families to have a healthy dialogue about the risk of gambling, the legal age, and how to engage responsibly.
Beyond the Customer: Our Responsibility to Employees
and Communities
Our industry understands responsibility does not end when our customers leave our casinos and resorts. We are committed to building inclusive, tolerant workplaces that provide our diverse employees with well-paying jobs, strong opportunities for advancement, and the tools required to compete in a 21st-century service economy. We strive to be good neighbors and engaged citizens, making positive contributions to communities by bringing prosperity to local economies, providing new, unique entertainment offerings, and honoring what makes each of those communities special.
More to Explore
To commemorate the beginning of Responsible Gaming Education Week (RGEW), the American Gaming Association (AGA) today activated the enforcement process associated with its Responsible Marketing Code for Sports Wagering. The self-regulated, industry-wide program will be overseen by a Code Compliance Review Board, consisting of two independent co-chairs and five AGA member representatives:
- Joe Bertolone, Executive Director, UNLV International Center for Gaming Regulation (co-chair)
- Becky Harris, Distinguished Fellow in Gaming, UNLV International Gaming Institute (co-chair)
- Laura McAllister Cox, Vice President of Regulatory Compliance & Legal Counsel, Rush Street Gaming
- Stephen Martino, Senior Vice President & Chief Compliance Officer, MGM Resorts International
- Sharon Otterman, Chief Marketing Officer, William Hill
- Paul Pellizzari, Vice President, Global Social Responsibility, Hard Rock
- Chris Soriano, Vice President & Chief Compliance Officer, Penn National Gaming
The Responsible Marketing Code for Sports Wagering includes self-imposed restrictions on target audiences, outlets, and materials branding, while mandating responsible gaming inclusion. The tenets of the code apply to traditional and digital media marketing activity for AGA members and non-members. Through the process launched today, industry stakeholders and consumers can flag perceived non-compliance with the code via AmericanGaming.org.
“Responsible Gaming Education Week provides a perfect opportunity to launch this important initiative, holding everyone accountable to a standard set by responsible operators,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller. “By adhering to this code, U.S. sports betting operators are putting consumers first, and I’m thankful to the distinguished industry representatives on the compliance review board who will help raise the bar for the marketing of sports betting activity in the United States.”
AGA’s Responsible Marketing Code for Sports Wagering supplements individual companies’ existing responsible marketing activities and those adhered to by all AGA members through the Responsible Gaming Code of Conduct, which includes limitations on frequency of advertisements.
Held annually, RGEW (Sept. 13-19, 2020) provides an opportunity to showcase the industry’s year-round commitment to responsible gaming by refreshing employee training, promoting gaming literacy to customers, and working with community partners on advancing RG initiatives. This year, the AGA is highlighting Have A Game Plan.® Bet Responsibly., its public service campaign to educate new and seasoned sports bettors on responsible sports betting amidst the rapid expansion of legal sports betting.
WASHINGTON – The American Gaming Association (AGA) today released a new set of self-regulations on advertising and marketing legal sports betting. The new Responsible Marketing Code for Sports Wagering was released on the one-year anniversary of the Supreme Court striking down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA).
AGA’s code, developed in coordination with its members, extends commitments made by individual companies through their own responsible marketing activities and those adhered to by all association members through the Responsible Gaming Code of Conduct. The new code includes self-imposed restrictions on target audiences, outlets and materials branding, while mandating responsible gaming inclusion. The tenets of the code apply to traditional and digital media marketing activity.
“For several years, the gaming industry has been committed to driving the illegal market out of business for the benefit of consumers, state and local economies and the integrity of both games and bets,” said Bill Miller, president and chief executive officer of the American Gaming Association. “The gaming industry has an obligation to extend our decades-long commitment to responsibility to this growing sector, and that’s exactly what this effort codifies. We are setting a high bar for sports betting advertising and will continue to ensure that everyone involved in the expansion of legalized sports betting across the country – gaming operators, sports leagues and teams, broadcasters and other businesses – rise to this standard.”
Since PASPA was overturned, the breadth of business interests engaged in the sports betting ecosystem has expanded significantly. This code is a part of a continual effort by AGA to discourage illegal gambling, including the for-profit promotion of illegal, offshore operators.
AGA’s new code comes amidst the rapid expansion of legal markets across the country. Since PASPA was overturned in May 2018, seven new states began offering single-game legal sports betting. Six more states and the District of Columbia have authorized legal markets, and dozens more have introduced legislation to legalize and regulate sports betting.
In the past year, nearly $8 billion has been legally wagered on sports nationwide, $3 billion of which was wagered outside of Nevada. Post-PASPA, legal sports betting has generated $55.3 million in new state and local tax revenue.
About AGA: The American Gaming Association is the premier national trade group representing the $261 billion U.S. casino industry, which supports 1.8 million jobs nationwide. AGA members include commercial and tribal casino operators, gaming suppliers and other entities affiliated with the gaming industry. It is the mission of the AGA to achieve sound policies and regulations consistent with casino gaming’s modern appeal and vast economic contributions
###
Responsible Play
Learn more about today’s gaming industry and our commitment to responsible leadership.
The adrenaline of chance.
The excitement of winning.
It wouldn't be possible without
a foundation of responsibility.
Starting the moment an account is opened to when we payout winnings, our top priority is ensuring customers play responsibly and for fun.
From its inception in Atlantic City to the evolution to a new era of gaming today, responsible gambling is ingrained in our DNA. Learn more about today’s gaming industry and our commitment to responsible leadership.
Responsible Play
Whether slots, table games, sports betting or iGaming, gambling is an popular form of entertainment for American adults. AGA research shows that nearly half of all American adults (49%) participated in some form of gambling in the past year.
Most Americans who choose to gamble do so for entertainment. We want customers that enjoy using our products for entertainment value which is why we provide tools and resources for all customers so that they can identify what works for them to engage responsibly.
If you’re getting in on the fun, make sure to Have A Game Plan and bet responsibly.
Meeting High Regulatory Standards
Gaming is one of the most regulated industries in the U.S.
More than 5,000 dedicated state and tribal regulators establish and enforce robust license and regulatory frameworks. These regulators work every day to provide careful and effective oversight and ensure it evolves with the growth of the marketplace. Our members recognize every license to operate is a privilege, not a right, and are focused on meeting and exceeding regulatory standards.
Beyond regulatory oversight, AGA members abide by our Responsible Gaming Code of Conduct, a pledge to prioritize responsible gaming as an integral part of our industry’s daily operations.
RESOURCE
Responsible Code of Conduct
The AGA and its members pledge to prioritize responsible gaming as an integral part of our industry’s daily operations.
Advertising Responsibly
Advertising is critical to migrate customers to the legal market, ensure they see responsible gaming messages, and build a thriving marketplace.
More than eight in 10 (84%) of past-year gamblers are aware of at least one responsible gaming resource, including 91 percent of sports bettors.
Leveraging Technology
Like any industry, the gaming industry is exploring how to integrate new technologies and data to improve products and cater to customers.
Most importantly, we are leveraging new technologies to advance responsible play. AGA members are working to marry research on responsible play and problem gambling, data from customers and machine learning, and customer service to identify potentially risky patterns and support positive player experiences or provide help, if needed.
Ensuring Help is Available
The expansion of legal gaming in the U.S. means there’s never been more attention paid, more resources invested or more programs dedicated to responsible and problem gambling than there is today.
Problem gambling helplines like 1-800-GAMBLER are vital for providing support and counseling to those for whom gambling is no longer fun. Today, we are the top marketer of problem gambling helplines.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling problem, help is available.
Protecting Younger Populations
Gambling is entertainment strictly for adults. Ensuring that casino gaming activities are only engaged by responsible adults is a prerequisite for regulated gaming companies. Whether online or in-person, our industry applies robust Know Your Customer protocols to confirm the age, identity and source of funds of players.
DID YOU KNOW?
The AGA’s Responsible Marketing Code for Sports Wagering sets specific limits to protect young adults and underage audiences, including bans on college advertising and targeting advertising to 21+ audiences. According to Nielsen Ad Intel, nearly 95% of AGA member ad impressions were delivered to viewers 21+ in the past year.
In addition to legal industry efforts, parents play an essential role in preventing underage gambling. Verified players, including parents, should never provide access to minors to gamble. It is not only against the law and violates an operator’s terms of service but puts an adult product in the hands of a vulnerable population. Instead, like any other adult product, families should have a healthy dialogue about the risk of gambling, the legal age, and how to engage responsibly.
Responsible Gaming
AGA members dedicate hundreds of millions of dollars every year to provide tools for customers to bet responsibly, train employees to monitor and engage players who need help, and fund research to prevent and treat problem gambling.
We lead investment in responsible and problem gambling research. Since 1996, the gaming industry has committed more than $40 million to independent academic research to better advance responsible gambling and treat problem gambling. That includes $10 million in the last five years alone.
AGA members devote millions of dollars every year to meet high regulatory standards, give customers the knowledge and tools they need to bet responsibly, and train employees to monitor and engage players who need help.
More than half (57%) of sports bettors report seeing an increase in responsible gaming messaging over the past year.
Member Commitments
AGA members continue to invest in education, research and programs to advance responsible play.
2025
May 14, 2025 | FanDuel Debuts Real-Time Deposit Alerts To Promote Responsible Gaming
Read the Article
March 19, 2025 | FanDuel Introduces Industry-First Television Show and Reinforces Responsible Gaming Initiatives During Problem Gambling Awareness Month
Read the Press Release
March 6, 2025 | DraftKings Renews State Council Funding Program and Expands Responsible Gaming Initiatives
Read the Press Release
February 28, 2025 | MGM Resorts & BetMGM Expand Commitment to Problem Gambling Research, Treatment & Public Awareness
Read the Press Release
February 7, 2025 | FanDuel Announces That Nearly Half of Customers Engaged with My Spend During the 2024-2025 NFL Season
Read the Press Release
January 21, 2025 | ESPN Launches “The Talk” Campaign to Promote Responsible Sports Betting
Read the Press Release
2024
December 10, 2024 | FanDuel Expands Suite of Responsible Gaming Tools with Introduction of My Spend
Read the Press Release
December 10, 2024 | MGM Resorts celebrates unique milestone in responsible gaming
Read the Article
September 4, 2024 | FanDuel Launches “Trusted Voices: Conversations About Betting” Focused on Helping Parents and Families Discuss Gambling
Read the Press Release
September 3, 2024 | Responsible Gaming Education Month 2024: Sands Kicks off Team Member Awareness Campaign
Read the Press Release
September 3, 2024 | EPIC Global Solutions and Bally’s partner to set new standards for Responsible Gaming
Read the Press Release
August 30, 2024 | MGM Resorts & BetMGM To Increase Responsible Gaming Message at NFL Stadiums During Upcoming Season
Read the Press Release
June 26, 2024 | Kindbridge Research Institute Announces Formation of Military Gambling Awareness Committee
Read the Press Release
April 22, 2024 | Lori Kalani to Join DraftKings as First Chief Responsible Gaming Officer
Read the Press Release
March. 27, 2024 | New Trade Association Launches Unprecedented Effort to Strengthen Responsible Online Gaming, Promote Best Practices
Read the Press Release
March. 21, 2024 | DraftKings and Kindbridge Behavioral Health Expand Program That Provides Treatment Resources for Individuals Experiencing Potential Indications of Problem Gaming
Read the Press Release
March. 14, 2024 | DraftKings Launches “My Stat Sheet” – a New Tool to Promote Responsible Gaming
Read the Press Release
March. 6, 2024 | FanDuel Introduces New Mental Health Collaboration and Support Efforts During Problem Gambling Awareness Month
Read the Press Release
March. 1, 2024 | MGM Resorts & BetMGM Strengthen Relationship With Kindbridge, Furthering Support for Problem Gambling Research & Treatment
Read the Press Release
Jan. 23, 2024 | Pavilion Payments Funds Research and Grant Award for the International Center for Responsible Gaming
Read the Press Release
Jan. 24, 2024 | FanDuel Announces New Financial Literacy Partnership in Expansion of Effort to Empower Responsible Gaming
Read the Press Release
2023
Feb. 2, 2023 | PENN Entertainment’s Barstool Sportsbook and HollywoodCasino.com Achieve Responsible Gaming Accreditation under the Responsible Gambling Council’s RG Check Program
Read the Press Release
Feb. 24, 2023 | BetMGM Announces New Pledge to Promote Responsible Gaming in Advertising
Read the Press Release
Mar. 1, 2023 | MGM Resorts & BetMGM Strengthen Responsible Gaming Commitment With 5-Year Gamesense Extension
Read the Press Release
Mar. 29, 2023 | GeoComply funds new International Center for Responsible Gaming research program
Read the Press Release
Mar. 30, 2023 | Responsible Gambling Council Approves BetMGM For Top Accreditation
Read the Press Release
Mar. 30, 2023 | Fanatics, Hard Rock Digital, PointsBet Join Coalition of Leading Online Operators Focused on Responsible Gaming
Read the Press Release
Jun. 13, 2023 | OpenBet expands responsible gaming capabilities with Neccton acquisition
Read the Press Release
Jul. 25, 2023 | Upkeeping responsible gambling duties: bet365 extends partnership with Rightlander
Read the Press Release
Aug. 31, 2023 | MGM Resorts’ & BETMGM’s Responsible Gaming Program Gamesense to Be Featured at Nine NFL Stadiums
Read the Press Release
Sep. 12, 2023 | FanDuel Marks Responsible Gaming Education Month with Major Investment in its Responsible Gaming Ambassador Program
Read the Press Release
Nov. 16, 2023 | IGT Reaffirms Responsible Gaming Leadership with G4 Certification for Global Gaming and PlayDigital Segments
Read the Press Release
Dec. 21, 2023 | MGM Resorts Provides $360,000 Donation To International Center for Responsible Gaming
Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – The American Gaming Association (AGA) released its updated Code of Conduct at a Responsible Gaming Education Week event in Las Vegas. The event featured a panel discussion on how the industry prioritizes responsible gaming and included representatives from UNLV’s International Gaming Institute, BMM Testlabs, Caesars Entertainment and the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers. Rep. Dina Titus (NV-1) delivered keynote remarks to kick off the event.
Responsible Gaming Education Week provides an opportunity to showcase the industry’s year-round dedication to responsible gaming programs and is an important part of the industry’s steadfast commitment to promoting responsible gaming. This event is the first of two events being held this week, with the second event held in Boston, Massachusetts.
To highlight the 21st anniversary of the industry’s Responsible Gaming Education Week, gaming operators and manufacturers across the United States will commemorate the industry’s responsible gaming efforts by holding responsible gaming educational activities.
“For the 21st year, we are spending this week highlighting our industry’s commitment to responsible gaming. This year, we’re emphasizing that the industry’s commitment to responsible gaming is more than a pledge, it’s a priority for gaming properties across the country” said Sara Slane, senior vice president of public affairs of AGA. “As gaming enters a new landscape, our industry is prepared to be a proactive partner in how we approach responsible gaming, highlighted today with our updated Code of Conduct that spells our obligations to our patrons, employees and communities.”
Tuesday’s panel in Las Vegas included Dr. Bo Bernhard, executive director of International Gaming Institute, UNLV; Robin Bernhard, senior manager, marketing & education at BMM Testlabs; Jennifer Shatley, responsible gaming policies and compliance specialist with Caesars Entertainment; Connie Jones, director of responsible gaming at the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers; and Slane.
AGA’s Code of Conduct guides industry efforts to build a more cohesive dialogue on responsible gaming. The updated code expands its guidelines to include wagers on sports, as well as new advertising provisions to ensure casino and sports betting marketing is targeted to an age-appropriate demographic with tasteful content and reasonable frequency.
About AGA: The American Gaming Association is the premier national trade group representing the $261 billion U.S. casino industry, which supports 1.8 million jobs nationwide. AGA members include commercial and tribal casino operators, gaming suppliers and other entities affiliated with the gaming industry. It is the mission of the AGA to achieve sound policies and regulations consistent with casino gaming’s modern appeal and vast economic contributions.
###
Responsible gaming programs are a critical part of the U.S. gaming industry’s everyday business. The central goal of these programs is to ensure that patrons are able to responsibly enjoy gaming as a form of entertainment, while lowering the potential for risky or problem gambling.
The American Gaming Association’s (AGA) Responsible Gaming Statutes and Regulations Guide is a centralized collection of the statutes and regulations concerning responsible gaming in the 38 states and the District of Columbia with commercial casinos, sports betting or internet gaming as of January 31, 2025. It is intended as a reference guide for industry stakeholders, researchers, lawmakers and regulators. This document does not include regulations that apply to gaming operations taking place on sovereign tribal lands where local tribal gaming regulators have the exclusive right to regulate all aspects of gaming activity.
Importantly, the gaming industry’s full efforts to promote responsible gaming and address problem gambling go far beyond the legal requirements prescribed in this resource. Industry responsible gaming programs operate in compliance with and parallel to state laws, regulations and best practices on responsible gaming. The majority of gaming operators and suppliers voluntarily implement responsible gaming programs with measures that go above and beyond upon the minimum requirements formally mandated by law, regulation or code.
The gaming industry commits nearly a half a billion dollars each year to responsible gaming initiatives that include support for independent academic research, development of best practices and new technological innovations and solutions, distribution of educational campaigns and materials for patrons, extensive and continuing employee training, and funding for problem gambling services.
In addition to formal statutory and regulatory requirements, operators and suppliers are also expected to comply with self-regulatory standards and best practices. As an example, AGA members commit to compliance with the AGA Code of Conduct for Responsible Gaming, regardless of whether provisions of the code are mandated by regulations in the jurisdictions where they are licensed. Furthermore, the AGA developed its Responsible Marketing Code for Sports Wagering, which establishes guidelines for the advertising and promotion of sports betting. Most recently updated in March 2023, the code goes beyond the advertising regulations applicable to sports betting within legal states, and includes selfimposed restrictions on target audiences, outlets, and materials’ branding. The code also includes various commitments to limit underage audiences’ exposure to sports betting advertising.
Since the Responsible Gaming Statutes and Regulations Guide was last updated in September 2022, four states have adopted legislation and regulations for sports betting that include various responsible gaming provisions – Missouri was yet to enact dedicated sports betting regulations at publication. Similarly, internet gaming has been legalized and regulated within Rhode Island since the last update.
Beyond the expansion into new states, this guide provides insight into recent trends on RG regulatory changes. In recent years, responsible gaming regulations and frameworks have evolved to include more emphasis on formal responsible gaming plans that licensees must commit to, and more uniform state-level restrictions on advertising for sports wagering. About two-thirds of commercial gaming jurisdictions now require operators to establish and file a responsible gaming plan with regulators compared to about half in 2022. Similarly, over eighty percent of commercial gaming jurisdictions have instituted detailed advertising rules, up from seventy percent in 2022.
The expansion of mobile sports betting and iGaming since 2022 has coincided with an increase in complexity, sophistication and breadth of responsible gaming rules related to advertising and employee training programs. It has also led to more detailed regulations on responsible gaming than have historically applied to traditional forms of landbased gaming. Several states, including Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and North Carolina, have since 2022 enacted general advertising requirements prohibiting advertising within media outlets or channels primarily appealing to underage individuals or where a certain percentage of the audience may reasonably be expected to be underage.
In recent years certain states, including Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey and North Carolina, have implemented rules that require use of data and automatic algorithmic triggers for responsible and problem gambling intervention.
Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina and Vermont are among states that have instituted wager and/or time limits as part of their responsible gaming frameworks since 2022. In addition, all four of these states have set aside dedicated additional annual funding for responsible gaming research, treatment and funding.
While each jurisdiction determines its own responsible gaming regulations, there are many commonalities across states. The most prevalent elements of states’ responsible gaming frameworks include the ability of players to exclude themselves from either land-based or online gaming, or both, for defined periods of time, if not permanently. Other central provisions of state statutes and regulations include the obligation for licensees to make responsible gaming information readily available to patrons and restrictions concerning the extension of credit to players.
Although responsible gaming laws and regulations vary greatly between the 38 commercial gaming jurisdictions covered here, many can be summarized into the following broad categories:
- Responsible gaming plan required – 28 jurisdictions mandate that land-based and online gaming operators prepare and submit for approval a wide ranging plan for addressing responsible gaming issues. The plans often require employee training and public awareness efforts. For jurisdictions that require an overall plan, readers should examine the specific elements that must be included in each plan.
- Self-exclusion program – All 38 jurisdictions require gaming or sports betting operators to adopt self-exclusion programs that enable patrons to exclude themselves from a casino or online/mobile gaming site and operators to expel self-excluded patrons if they are found gambling or wagering. The length of the self-exclusion periods available and the procedures for reversing self-exclusions vary by jurisdiction. A majority of jurisdictions have a central self-exclusion register that includes enlisted patrons from all gaming venues and platforms. Some state laws specify that casinos and online operators must also eliminate direct promotional outreach to self-excluded individuals and deny them complementaries – commonly known as “comps” – or access to credit.
- Property signage and responsible gaming disclosure – 35 jurisdictions impose requirements around on-property signage and/or disclosures related to responsible gaming. In some cases, that includes mandating the availability of brochures identifying the risks of problem gambling, requiring disclosure of toll-free helpline numbers and other resources for counseling and assistance. It may also include requirements that gaming advertising (print, billboards, or electronic media) include responsible gaming messaging or a toll-free helpline number.
- Advertising restrictions – 34 jurisdictions have specific restrictions on the types of, or content of, advertising that is permitted. Most jurisdictions require that gaming advertising not be deceptive or target minors.
- Wager/time limits – 29 jurisdictions with account-based online gaming, sports betting, or digital wallet wagering in casinos require operators to provide a mechanism through which patrons may self-limit deposits, losses, wagering amounts and/or time spent gambling.
- Restrictions on extension of house credit – 35 jurisdictions block or limit the use of house credit in land-based and/or online casino gaming and sports betting. This may include outright bans on credit advances from gaming operators to patrons.
- Financial instruments restrictions – 17 jurisdictions restrict the ability of casinos or online gaming operators to accept credit card deposits, government-issued checks or stored value cards that represent public benefits, amongst other things.
- Treatment and research funding – 32 jurisdictions have codified commitments to support treatment for individuals with a gambling problem, education services concerning disordered or problem gambling, or research related to problem gambling. Most of those states earmark certain state revenues from gaming for these programs.
- Employee training – 30 jurisdictions specify that casino employees who work on the gaming floor or those who otherwise interact with customers must receive responsible gaming training. Some states require the training to include instruction on how to identify players demonstrating problematic or risky behavior on the gaming floor.
- Alcoholic beverage restrictions – 18 jurisdictions require casinos to limit alcoholic beverage service on the gaming floor or to limit access to gambling services for patrons who are visibly intoxicated.
Beyond the overarching categories outlined above, states regularly implement other laws or regulations related to responsible gaming. These may include the creation of statewide responsible gaming programs, mandating research on the effectiveness of responsible gaming provisions, or requirements that licensees verify gambling winners do not owe child support.
During the 21st annual Responsible Gaming Education Week, industry stakeholders convened at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) International Gaming Institute to highlight the industry’s work in responsible gaming and discuss forthcoming responsibility initiatives.
U.S. Representative Dina Titus (NV-1) delivered the keynote address, updating the audience on recent developments in the gaming industry, placing much of her focus on the expansion of legal sports betting since the Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in May 2018. With states across the country legalizing sports betting, Titus stressed the importance of looking at the evolution of the gaming industry “from the standpoint of responsibility.”
The American Gaming Association (AGA) announced an update to the Responsibility Code of Conduct, which guides industry efforts to build a more cohesive dialogue on responsible gaming. The update expanded responsibility guidelines to include wagers on sports, as well as new advertising provisions to ensure casino and sports betting marketing is targeted to an age-appropriate demographic with tasteful content and reasonable frequency.
Jennifer Shatley, responsible gaming policies and compliance specialist at Caesars Entertainment, said the advent of widespread legal sports betting “offers an opportunity.” Adding, “there’s not really regulations or frameworks around [sports betting], and this is the time when we really can regulate how to do this in a responsible manner…how to advertise in a responsible manner, how to operate in responsibly. We already know there’s a huge market out there that is betting on sports illegally…so now we have the ability to build something and protect the consumer.”
Connie Jones, director of responsible gaming at the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers, spoke about technological innovations in responsible gaming, touching on the potential for cashless gaming to offer effective spending controls. As an example of a technological innovation that allows casino-goers to play responsibly, Jones cited PlayMyWay, a responsible gaming app developed by Scientific Games that allows players to gauge how they are tracking against their self-imposed budget in real time.
The panel’s moderator, Bo Bernhard, executive director of the International Gaming Institute at UNLV, concluded the event by underscoring the importance of the industry continuing its dedication to researching responsible gaming and collaborating to advance the issue.
Additional panelists included Sara Slane, AGA’s senior vice president of public affairs and Robin Bernhard, senior manager, marketing & education at BMM Testlabs.
Media Highlights
- AGA expanding code of conduct for responsible gaming, Las Vegas Review-Journal
- Responsible Gaming Advocates Hope Lawmakers Pass Legislation To Help Consumers, Gambling Compliance
Dr. Bo Bernhard
Executive Director, UNLV International Gaming Institute
Robin Bernhard
Senior Manager, Marketing & Education, BMM Testlabs
Jennifer Shatley
Responsible Gaming Policies and Compliance Specialist with Caesars Entertainment
Connie Jones
Director of Responsible Gaming, Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers
Dina Titus
U.S. Rep. (NV-1)
Sara Slane
Senior Vice President of Public Affairs, American Gaming Association
Photo Gallery
Play Smart from the Start
To evolve our industry’s approach to responsible gaming, the American Gaming Association has developed a cohesive, research-backed messaging platform that connects players to responsible play.
A Smarter Way to Play
At its core, Play Smart from the Start reflects a simple idea: when you play with purpose, everyone wins.
The gaming industry reminds consumers to make informed choices to enjoy gaming responsibly as entertainment. Recent research shows that players don’t see a difference between responsible gaming messages and problem gambling messages. As a result, most players tune out and don’t believe the message is for them. Play Smart from the Start is designed to be relevant to all players.
Game On: Activate the Power of this Platform
This new messaging platform equips AGA members and industry stakeholders with effective messaging to incorporate into their communications, marketing and advertising; make tips, tools and advice available to consumers to encourage responsible play; and elevate gaming’s leadership before a range of stakeholders by highlighting its commitments and investments to responsible gaming practices.
What is Playing Smart from the Start?
Gaming is most enjoyable when you keep the right mindset. Stay intentional about your play — keep it light, fun and in line with your personal goals.
Every time players open an app, arrive at the casino or place a bet, they should make sure they’re playing smart from the start by:
Having the Right State of Mind
- Start every gaming experience with the right mindset, stay present in the game and keep it entertaining. Stay intentional about your play – keep it light, fun and in line with your personal goals.
- Set your own boundaries and stay within them. Choose where and when you play, ensuring your gaming environment supports positive decisions. Stay aware of how you’re feeling and make adjustments as needed.
Knowing the Game
- Knowing the odds and rules helps you stay in the game longer and keeps wagering fun, win or lose.
Acting Intentionally
- Take practical steps to ensure the game stays fun. That could be setting a budget, taking a break, or being aware of your environment.
Having the Right State of Mind
- Start every gaming experience with the right mindset, stay present in the game and keep it entertaining. Stay intentional about your play – keep it light, fun and in line with your personal goals.
- Set your own boundaries and stay within them. Choose where and when you play, ensuring your gaming environment supports positive decisions. Stay aware of how you’re feeling and make adjustments as needed.
Knowing the Game
- Knowing the odds and rules helps you stay in the game longer and keeps wagering fun, win or lose.
Acting Intentionally
- Take practical steps to ensure the game stays fun. That could be setting a budget, taking a break, or being aware of your environment.