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    American Gaming Association Unites with Gaming Leaders to Underscore Industry-Wide Commitment to Responsible Gaming

    Press Release
    July 31, 2017

    Washington, DC – Leaders of the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM), the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) and the National Center for Responsible Gaming (NCRG) today joined the American Gaming Association (AGA) to highlight the gaming industry’s shared commitment to responsible gaming.

    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 this week in recognition of Responsible Gaming Education Week (RGEW); highlighted by events in Atlantic City on Tuesday and Las Vegas on Thursday, bringing together industry leaders to discuss casino gaming’s commitment to responsible gaming.

    “The AGA is proud to be the leading voice behind the gaming industry’s continued commitment to responsible gaming,” said Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of AGA. “AGA members have made responsible gaming a year-round commitment and will continue to train their employees in the most effective practices to ensure all our customers enjoy the casino gaming industry responsibly.”

    The gaming industry’s ongoing responsible gaming initiatives include research into effective treatment and prevention methods, the development and distribution of educational materials and comprehensive employee training. Additionally, materials and toll-free helpline numbers are placed throughout casino properties to give patrons an open channel for more information about responsible gaming.

    New this year from AGA is an updated Code of Conduct on Responsible Gaming which contains enhanced measures focused on consumer protection and the transparency of games as well as heightened employee training programs. The Code seeks to enhance the industry’s commitment to protecting players and regularly seeking opportunities for industrywide improvement.

    AGA’s Code of Conduct is now applicable to all forms of gaming – land based, mobile and interactive. In the past, it was primarily applicable to land-based gaming only. The Code also includes new consumer protection measures, including enhanced transparency around casino game’s odds and payouts, enhanced transparency in advertising and ensuring that advertising or marketing will not misrepresent the probability of winning. 

    “In Indian Country, we do not take any type of addiction lightly,” said Ernie Stevens, Jr., Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Association. “Our Tribes have prioritized and developed programs on addressing the disease of gambling addiction since the inception of our industry. This is an issue however that transcends Tribal or commercial gaming. We know the importance of addressing this issue responsibly and we are proud to partner this week with the AGA and National Council on Problem Gaming to highlight our industry’s efforts in combating this illness.”   

    “AGEM, our member companies and our Director of Responsible Gaming, Connie Jones, are pleased to join all of those in the gaming industry supporting Responsible Gaming Education Week,” said Marcus Prater, Executive Director of the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufactures. “Presenting a unified message of commitment and putting a spotlight on an area of responsibility all of us share not just during this special week, but 24/7, reflects our full-time focus on an important aspect of our specific gaming entertainment.”

    “Responsible gaming practices are for everyone involved with gaming,” said Russell Sanna, Executive Director for the National Center for Responsible Gaming. “Our collective efforts to constantly improve responsible gaming will provide for a healthy industry that benefits local communities and our nation.”

    The gaming industry invites the public and policymakers to join industry-wide responsible gaming events this week and throughout the year. 

    About the American Gaming Association (AGA) The American Gaming Association is the premier national trade group representing the $240 billion U.S. casino industry, which supports 1.7 million jobs in 40 states. AGA members include commercial and tribal casino operators, suppliers and other entities affiliated with the gaming industry. It is the mission of the AGA to be the single most effective champion of the industry, relentlessly protecting against harmful and often misinformed public policies, and paving a path for growth, innovation and reinvestment.


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