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.
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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
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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
March 19, 2025 | FanDuel Introduces Industry-First Television Show and Reinforces Responsible Gaming Initiatives During Problem Gambling Awareness Month
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March 6, 2025 | DraftKings Renews State Council Funding Program and Expands Responsible Gaming Initiatives
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February 28, 2025 | MGM Resorts & BetMGM Expand Commitment to Problem Gambling Research, Treatment & Public Awareness
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February 7, 2025 | FanDuel Announces That Nearly Half of Customers Engaged with My Spend During the 2024-2025 NFL Season
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January 21, 2025 | ESPN Launches “The Talk” Campaign to Promote Responsible Sports Betting
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2024
December 10, 2024 | FanDuel Expands Suite of Responsible Gaming Tools with Introduction of My Spend
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December 10, 2024 | MGM Resorts celebrates unique milestone in responsible gaming
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September 4, 2024 | FanDuel Launches “Trusted Voices: Conversations About Betting” Focused on Helping Parents and Families Discuss Gambling
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September 3, 2024 | Responsible Gaming Education Month 2024: Sands Kicks off Team Member Awareness Campaign
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September 3, 2024 | EPIC Global Solutions and Bally’s partner to set new standards for Responsible Gaming
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August 30, 2024 | MGM Resorts & BetMGM To Increase Responsible Gaming Message at NFL Stadiums During Upcoming Season
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June 26, 2024 | Kindbridge Research Institute Announces Formation of Military Gambling Awareness Committee
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April 22, 2024 | Lori Kalani to Join DraftKings as First Chief Responsible Gaming Officer
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March. 27, 2024 | New Trade Association Launches Unprecedented Effort to Strengthen Responsible Online Gaming, Promote Best Practices
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March. 21, 2024 | DraftKings and Kindbridge Behavioral Health Expand Program That Provides Treatment Resources for Individuals Experiencing Potential Indications of Problem Gaming
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March. 14, 2024 | DraftKings Launches “My Stat Sheet” – a New Tool to Promote Responsible Gaming
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March. 6, 2024 | FanDuel Introduces New Mental Health Collaboration and Support Efforts During Problem Gambling Awareness Month
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March. 1, 2024 | MGM Resorts & BetMGM Strengthen Relationship With Kindbridge, Furthering Support for Problem Gambling Research & Treatment
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Jan. 23, 2024 | Pavilion Payments Funds Research and Grant Award for the International Center for Responsible Gaming
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Jan. 24, 2024 | FanDuel Announces New Financial Literacy Partnership in Expansion of Effort to Empower Responsible Gaming
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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
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Feb. 24, 2023 | BetMGM Announces New Pledge to Promote Responsible Gaming in Advertising
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Mar. 1, 2023 | MGM Resorts & BetMGM Strengthen Responsible Gaming Commitment With 5-Year Gamesense Extension
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Mar. 29, 2023 | GeoComply funds new International Center for Responsible Gaming research program
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Mar. 30, 2023 | Responsible Gambling Council Approves BetMGM For Top Accreditation
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Mar. 30, 2023 | Fanatics, Hard Rock Digital, PointsBet Join Coalition of Leading Online Operators Focused on Responsible Gaming
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Jun. 13, 2023 | OpenBet expands responsible gaming capabilities with Neccton acquisition
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Jul. 25, 2023 | Upkeeping responsible gambling duties: bet365 extends partnership with Rightlander
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Aug. 31, 2023 | MGM Resorts’ & BETMGM’s Responsible Gaming Program Gamesense to Be Featured at Nine NFL Stadiums
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Sep. 12, 2023 | FanDuel Marks Responsible Gaming Education Month with Major Investment in its Responsible Gaming Ambassador Program
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Nov. 16, 2023 | IGT Reaffirms Responsible Gaming Leadership with G4 Certification for Global Gaming and PlayDigital Segments
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Dec. 21, 2023 | MGM Resorts Provides $360,000 Donation To International Center for Responsible Gaming
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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.
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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
Washington, D.C. – The American Gaming Association (AGA) commenced Responsible Gaming Education Month (RGEM) 2023 today with new consumer survey data showing the strength of responsible gaming awareness.
As legal gaming expands, consumers continue to report high levels of responsible gaming engagement, with 84 percent of past-year gamblers aware of at least one responsible gaming resource, including 91 percent of sports bettors.
Past-year gamblers also report high confidence in the effectiveness of responsible gaming tools, policies and initiatives. Three-quarters or more of players consider the following measures effective ways to encourage responsible play:
- Deposit Limits (85%)
- Time Limits (78%)
- Wager Limits (77%)
- Employee Training (77%)
- Industry Code of Conduct (75%)
“Our industry’s success is based on earning customer trust, providing safeguards for responsible gaming, and implementing tools that our customers engage to bet responsibly,” said AGA Vice President, Responsibility Cait DeBaun. “Today’s data shows our united effort to elevate responsible gaming is clearly resonating with players and shaping a safer gaming landscape.”
Importantly, as legal sports betting grows in new and existing markets, the survey underscores the value of advertising in driving responsible gaming awareness. More than half (53%) of sports bettors report seeing an increase in responsible gaming messaging over the past year.
Marking the industry’s 25th annual celebration of responsible gaming in September, RGEM 2023 will feature four weekly themes that the industry will activate on:
- Empowering Customers to Play Responsibly | Sept. 1-10
- Legal, Regulated Gaming Protects Players | Sept. 11-17
- Building a Responsible Gaming Culture Within | Sept. 18-24
- Advancing Responsible Gaming with Research | Sept. 25-30
“This month provides a focused opportunity for the gaming community to come together to highlight and advance our efforts,” continued DeBaun. “We look forward to joining with our members, regulators, leagues, media and all stakeholders to uphold our collective responsibility for responsibility.”
Find full RGEM details and resources to participate, including a toolkit for turnkey activation, here.
Background
- Beyond regulatory commitments, AGA members agree to abide by the Responsible Gaming Code of Conduct and Responsible Marketing Code for Sports Wagering – voluntary commitments that set a high standard to protect players.
- AGA’s Have A Game Plan.®Bet Responsibly.™ campaign will also feature prominently during RGEM 2023, bringing together leagues, teams, operators and other sports betting stakeholders to educate consumers on responsible wagering.
- 34 states and the District of Columbia feature operational commercial gaming markets, including casino gaming (27), sports betting (30) and iGaming (7).
Methodology
YouGov, on behalf of the AGA, conducted an online survey from August 3-10, 2023 among a nationally representative sample of 2,018 Americans aged 21 and over. The margin of error is +/- 2 percent and greater among subgroups.
WASHINGTON – The American Gaming Association (AGA) commemorated Responsible Gaming Education Week in Boston with a panel discussion on the industry’s efforts to address problem gambling. The event highlighted AGA’s updated Code of Conduct, the Responsible Gaming Collaborative and the inroads Massachusetts has made prioritizing innovative and expansive responsible gaming initiatives. The panel included representatives from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, the Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling, the National Center for Responsible Gaming, MGM Resorts International and Penn National Gaming.
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 is the second of two events held this week, with the first at the UNLV International Gaming Institute on Tuesday in Las Vegas.
To highlight the 21st anniversary of the industry’s Responsible Gaming Education Week, gaming operators and manufacturers across the United States are commemorating the industry’s responsible gaming efforts by holding dozens of local events and educational activities throughout the week.
“Responsible gaming is a top priority for the gaming industry,” said Sara Slane, senior vice president of public affairs of AGA. “As you heard today, we are committed to providing a safe gaming environment for our patrons, employees and communities. Every day, gaming industry leaders are working with manufacturers, thought leaders, educators and property owners to proactively address problem gambling. Together, we are maximizing our investment to promote responsible gaming and innovating how we approach the issue.”
Thursday’s panel in Boston included Stephen Crosby, chairman, Massachusetts Gaming Commission; Dr. Russell Sanna, executive director, National Center for Responsible Gaming; Alan Feldman, executive vice president, MGM Resorts International; Jim Baldacci, deputy chief compliance officer, Penn National Gaming; Marlene Warner, executive director of the Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling and president of the board of directors for the National Council on Problem Gambling; 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.
To learn more about AGA’s Responsible Gaming initiatives, click here.
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.
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