WASHINGTON, D.C. – Americans are increasingly embracing casino gaming and sports betting as acceptable forms of entertainment and responsible industries, according to new consumer survey results from the American Gaming Association (AGA). The new data comes ahead of Responsible Gaming Education Month this September and on the eve of the seventh NFL season with widespread legal wagering.
Among new high-water marks in consumer sentiment, 75% of Americans believe the gaming industry behaves responsibly in the communities where it operates, 9 in 10 Americans view sports betting as an acceptable form of entertainment, and 75% of Americans support legal sports betting in their home state.
“These latest survey results highlight a consistent trend over the years: as gaming expands to new audiences, Americans increasingly see the benefits of a legal, regulated gaming marketplace that contributes to communities, prioritizes responsibility and provides unmatched entertainment,” said Joe Maloney, AGA Senior Vice President, Strategic Communications.
The study reveals particular increases in favorable views toward the industry’s commitments to responsible gaming, with 65% of Americans now saying the gaming industry is committed to encouraging responsible gaming and combating problem gambling—a notable rise from 55% last year. This confidence is even stronger among those who engage with the industry directly, with 81% of physical casino players and 88% of sports bettors agreeing with this sentiment, up from 70% and 78%, respectively last year.
This sentiment is driven by increased perceptions across several areas:
Responsible Marketing and Advertising
Americans are taking notice of the legal industry’s efforts around responsible marketing and advertising marketing, with 65% of respondents saying they believe the industry is truthful in its marketing and advertising, up from 58% last year. Additionally, 73% view the industry as responsible in its marketing efforts, up from 68% in 2022.
Effectiveness of Responsible Gaming Programs
Data shows 66% of Americans believe the gaming industry’s responsible gaming programs are effective, up from 59% last year. Among those who participate in gaming, 79% of physical casino players and 85% of sports bettors agree that these programs are effective.
Increased Awareness of Responsible Gaming Messages
The study shows a significant rise in the number of Americans exposed to responsible gaming information. Specifically, 46% of land-based casino players and 57% of sports bettors noted an increase in responsible gaming messaging. Notably, 66% of all Americans say they have encountered responsible gaming messaging in the past year, up from 56% in 2022.
Familiarity with Responsible Gaming Resources
Awareness of responsible gaming resources has grown, with 76% of Americans familiar with at least one responsible gaming resource, an increase from 65% in 2022. Awareness is particularly high among industry participants, with 92% of land-based players and 96% of sports bettors familiar with at least one responsible gaming resource.
“The gaming industry’s responsibility efforts are stronger than ever, and consumers are noticing,” continued Maloney. “As we embark on another Responsible Gaming Education Month, we’re more energized than ever to continue our work to give consumers the legal, safe and fun gaming experiences that they want and deserve.”
For more information on the AGA’s responsible gaming programs and to view the full report, visit www.americangaming.org.
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Methodology
Kantar, on behalf of the AGA, conducted an online survey July 31 – August 9, 2024 among a nationally representative sample of 2,000 registered voters aged 21 and over related to responsible gaming and industry perceptions. The margin of error is +/- 2 percent and greater among subgroups.
A diverse set of panelists—ranging from casino operators and suppliers to gaming regulators and sports—joined the American Gaming Association at the UNLV International Gaming Institute to discuss the future of responsible gaming and the importance of responsible gaming during Responsible Gaming Education Week.
Elizabeth Cronan, AGA’s senior director of gaming policy, kicked off the event by noting that AGA and its members “are committed to ensuring that responsibility remains a core priority among all industry stakeholders.”
To that end, the National Center for Responsible Gaming (NCRG) announced a new fund dedicated to research on responsible sports betting at the outset of the panel. The fund, supported by AGA and several of its members, will equip operators, policymakers, and the more than 4,000 regulators across the U.S. with science-based evidence to assess and design gaming provisions and policies that protect consumers and prioritize responsible gaming above all else.
Nevada Gaming Control Board Chairwoman Sandra Douglass Morgan moderated the panel and remarked that the NCRG fund marks a “truly exciting moment for the industry,” as “regulators and policy makers need stakeholder involvement to solve and address our most pressing challenges to protect the integrity of gaming.”
Responsibility in the Gaming Industry
Scott Warfield, managing director of gaming, NASCAR, commented that responsible betting is so important to the sport because “we want to provide [fans] new engagement opportunities, but we want them to [bet] responsibly,” adding that “NASCAR is joining the NCRG sports betting research fund because it’s the right thing to do…and we need to do this the right way”
Dr. Russell Sanna, executive director, NCRG, spoke to importance of a culture of responsibility that encourages customers to talk to fellow customers, while Paul Pellizzari, vice president of global social responsibility, Hard Rock International, spoke about the importance of prevention as an emerging area in responsible gaming, explaining that “all of our responsible gaming programs start with reaching players in the place that is most relevant to them in a voice that is natural to them.”
Other topics included the use of technology in self-exclusion efforts and identifying at risk populations, protecting youth and vulnerable groups, and how the media will impact the dialogue around responsible sports betting.
The panel also featured Tammi Barlow, Head of Responsible Gaming, William Hill US; Alan Feldman, Distinguished Fellow, Responsible Gaming, UNLV International Gaming Institute; Jade Luchauer, CSR Manager, Global Brand, Marketing & Communications, IGT; and Virginia McDowell, Independent Non-Executive Director, GVC Holdings.
Media Highlights
- Panel at UNLV addresses ways to promote responsible gaming, Las Vegas Review-Journal
- As floodgates open for sports betting, new fund aims to deepen research on gambling addiction, The Nevada Independent
- Sports wagering and problem gambling focus of Responsible Gaming Education Week, CDC Gaming Reports
Speakers
Tammi Barlow
Head of Responsible Gaming, William Hill US
Elizabeth Cronan
Senior Director, Gaming Policy, American Gaming Association
Alan Feldman
Distinguished Fellow, Responsible Gaming, UNLV, International Gaming Institute
Jade Luchauer
CSR Manager, Global Brand, Marketing & Communications, IGT
Virginia McDowell
Independent Non-Executive Director, GVC Holdings
Sandra Douglass Morgan
Chairwoman, Nevada Gaming Control Board (moderator)
Paul Pellizzari
VP of Global Social Responsibility, Hard Rock International
Dr. Russell Sanna
Executive Director, National Center for Responsible Gaming
Scott Warfield
Managing Director, Gaming, NASCAR
Photo Gallery
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.**
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
Washington, D.C. – Today, the American Gaming Association (AGA) announced the Gaming Hall of Fame Class of 2024, honoring three leaders who have made significant contributions to the industry:
- Jim Allen, Chairman, Hard Rock International; Chief Executive Officer, Seminole Gaming; Former Chairman, American Gaming Association
- Alan Feldman, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Distinguished Fellow in Responsible Gaming, UNLV International Gaming Institute; Former Executive, MGM Resorts International
- Debi Nutton, Board Member, Everi Holdings; Executive Coach-Consultant; Former Casino Operations Executive, MGM Resorts, Wynn Resorts
“From helping transform tribal gaming and pioneering responsible gaming research to blazing new paths in casino operations, Jim, Alan and Debi have been integral to shaping the modern gaming industry,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller.
Since 1989, the Gaming Hall of Fame has recognized gaming icons and leaders for their enduring influence on the industry. The Class of 2024 will receive recognition at an invitation-only induction ceremony held during G2E 2024 in Las Vegas this October.
“The Gaming Hall of Fame honors leaders that have had a distinct impact on our industry’s success,” added AGA Chairman of the Board and Everi Executive Chairman Mike Rumbolz (Gaming Hall of Fame Class of 2022). “This year’s inductees have met and exceeded this threshold throughout their careers and continue to do so in their current work. We look forward to celebrating their achievements at G2E 2024.”
Hall of Fame honorees are selected by an independent panel of gaming executives. This year’s selection committee members include:
- Maureen Adams, EVP, Gaming, Churchill Downs Inc.
- Jay Dorris, President and CEO, Wind Creek Hospitality
- Siobhan Lane, EVP and CEO, Gaming, Light & Wonder
- Alex Dixon, CEO, DRA and Co-Founder and Co-Chair, African Americans in Gaming
- Mark Lipparelli, Chairman, International Center for Responsible Gaming
- Kirsten Clark, Executive Director, International Association of Gaming Advisors
- Lauren Bates, Chair, Global Gaming Women
- Brett Abarbanel, Executive Director, UNLV International Gaming Institute
- Mike Rumbolz, Executive Chairman, Everi and Chairman of the Board, AGA
Additional information about each inductee’s accomplishments is below and headshots can be downloaded for editorial use here.
Jim Allen, Chairman, Hard Rock International; Chief Executive Officer, Seminole Gaming; Former Chairman, American Gaming Association
A gaming and hospitality industry veteran with more than 44 years of experience, Allen currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of Seminole Gaming and Chairman of Hard Rock International and Hard Rock Digital. He also recently served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the AGA. Since 2001, Allen has overseen all gaming, hospitality and entertainment operations for the Seminole Tribe of Florida, including leading the tribe’s 2007 acquisition of Hard Rock International, the first acquisition of a major international company by a North American Indian tribe. Under his leadership, Seminole Gaming and Hard Rock International have grown their global business footprint and their leadership in U.S. casino gaming, winning numerous awards for excellence in operations, hospitality and employment. Allen has also led the expansion of the company’s entertainment offerings to sports and sports betting, including the 2020 launch of Hard Rock Digital—an online and retail sportsbook and internet gaming platform—and partnerships with Formula One Racing in both Miami and Las Vegas, Red Bull Racing, Lionel Messi, and Hard Rock Stadium which hosts the NFL’s Miami Dolphins. Allen also lectures at many professional conferences, governmental programs and college campuses and makes frequent appearances on CNN, CNBC, Bloomberg, Fox Business and other financial news networks.
Alan Feldman, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Distinguished Fellow in Responsible Gaming, UNLV International Gaming Institute; Former Executive, MGM Resorts International
Alan Feldman currently serves as Director of Strategic Initiatives and Distinguished Fellow in Responsible Gaming at UNLV’s International Gaming Institute, where he is at the forefront of developing programs and policies that enhance industry knowledge and regulatory practices around responsible gaming. During his 30-year tenure at MGM Resorts, Feldman was instrumental in launching GameSense, a pioneering initiative that now promotes healthy gambling behaviors across all MGM U.S. properties. Feldman is also a globally sought-after speaker on responsible gaming and holds key advisory roles in the industry, including serving as Chair Emeritus of the International Center for Responsible Gaming, where he formerly served as Chair of the Board. Feldman’s significant contributions have been recognized with awards such as the Gaming Professional of the Year by the Casino Management Association in 2002 and a Lifetime Achievement Award in Gaming Communications from the American Gaming Association in 2009.
Debi Nutton, Board Member, Everi Holdings; Executive Coach-Consultant; Former Casino Operations Executive, MGM Resorts, Wynn Resorts
Nutton currently serves as a Board Member at Everi Holdings while also helming her business as a gaming consultant and executive coach. Her career in the gaming industry began in 1980 as one of the few female dice dealers on the Las Vegas Strip. She notably contributed to the opening team of The Mirage in 1989, where she distinguished herself as the sole female dice pit manager at the time. Over her 24-year tenure with MGM and Mirage, Debi rose to Senior Vice President of Casino Operations and Marketing for MGM and Bellagio before assuming the role of Executive Vice President of Casino Operations at Wynn Resorts in 2013. Today, she is shaping the next generation of gaming as an executive coach-consultant, advising the industry on leadership practices and casino operations. A founding board member of Global Gaming Women, Debi has received numerous accolades, including the 2018 Great Women of Gaming Lifetime Achievement Award, the 2009 Casino Enterprise Management Great Women of Gaming Proven Leader Award, and being named a “Woman of Distinction” by the National Association of Women Business Owners in 2007.
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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. – Americans’ positive view of the gaming industry continues to grow as the U.S. legal market expands. New research from the American Gaming Association (AGA) shows that two-thirds of adults view the industry as a positive economic contributor that provides high-quality jobs and 73 percent support legalized sports betting in their state.
Americans also see gaming as a good community partner. Nearly 7 in 10 Americans believe the gaming industry behaves responsibly and a majority (57%) believe the industry gives back in the communities where it operates. View the full findings of AGA’s annual survey of American attitudes here.
“We are a committed, responsible partner and economic driver in communities across the country,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller. “Because of this, we’ve risen from the most devastating period in our history and embarked on a record-setting comeback.”
Americans are taking notice of the industry’s responsible gaming efforts. The number of Americans who say the industry is committed to responsible gaming has increased by nearly 40 percent since 2018. Further, nearly 80 percent of past-year gamblers are aware of industry-provided responsible gaming resources. Of this group, three-quarters point to specific measures like deposit limits, casino employee training, and time limits as most effective.
These findings come at the start of Responsible Gaming Education Week (RGEW), Sept. 19-25, which brings together all industry stakeholders to promote responsible gaming education while also showcasing the industry’s everyday commitment to responsible gaming.
“Responsible Gaming Education Week provides an opportunity to highlight the tremendous work our members and industry do every day to invest in responsible gaming education,” continued Miller. “As legal gaming expands to new geographies and verticals, everyone engaged with legal gaming must work together to grow responsibly—our collective success depends on it.”
RGEW 2021 features AGA’s Have A Game Plan.® Bet Responsibly.™ public service campaign, which is uniting the growing sports betting industry to educate and encourage responsible sports wagering. Through partnerships with sports leagues and teams, gaming operators and suppliers, and media companies, the campaign teaches consumers the fundamentals of responsible sports wagering: setting a budget and sticking to it, knowing the odds, keeping it social, and only playing with legal operators.
The AGA, with its members, is building a responsible foundation for legal sports betting. AGA’s Responsible Marketing Code for Sports Wagering, launched a year ago, defines a robust set of principles to protect consumers and sets a high standard for advertising with self-imposed restrictions on target audiences, outlets, and materials branding, while mandating responsible gaming inclusion across marketing activity.
Ensuring consumers have effective, accessible resources if they need help is key to sustainable growth. The AGA recently released policy recommendations for streamlining helpline requirements in national or multistate advertising campaigns, which have since been adopted in Indiana.
Casino gaming is legal in 44 states with the addition of four states in the last five years. Sports betting is legal in 32 states and the District of Columbia while six states offer legal iGaming.
Through July, the commercial gaming industry has generated $4.83 billion in 2021, putting the industry on pace to break its annual revenue record set in 2019. The AGA’s Commercial Gaming Revenue Tracker is tracking gaming’s record-setting recovery.
Methodology
Survey results come from two online polls conducted on behalf of the American Gaming Association in the late summer among national samples of 2,000 Americans. The data were weighted to approximate a target sample of adults based on age, educational attainment, gender, race, and region. Results from the two full surveys have a margin of error of +/-2%.
- Kantar fielded its survey between August 13-September 1, 2021 among a national sample of 2,000 American voters aged 21 and older.
- YouGov conducted its survey between June 26-31, 2021 among a national sample of 2,033 American aged 21 and older.
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the American Gaming Association (AGA) announced the Gaming Hall of Fame classes of 2020 and 2021, recognizing leaders who have distinguished themselves through significant contributions to the gaming industry.
“Each of these pioneers has left a unique, indelible mark on our industry,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller. “Under their leadership, tribal gaming has boomed, professional sports leagues have embraced sports betting, and the gaming industry is thriving despite the challenges we’ve faced over the past year and a half.”
Since its establishment in 1989, the Gaming Hall of Fame has honored an annual class of industry leaders until last year when the selection and event was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Both the Class of 2020 and 2021 will be honored during the invitation-only Chairman’s Reception featuring the Gaming Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at the Global Gaming Expo.
“This year’s honorees have been key players in proving that gaming is a world-class entertainment experience,” added Aristocrat Technologies CEO and AGA Chairman of the Board Trevor Croker. “We’re proud to recognize them and the important role they’ve played shaping gaming into the dynamic industry it is today.”
Hall of Fame honorees are selected by an independent panel of gaming executives. This year’s selection committee members include:
- Joe Bertolone, Executive Director, ICGR at UNLV
- Kirsten Clark, Executive Director, International Association of Gaming Advisors
- Mary Cheeks, President and General Manager, Jamul Casino
- Trevor Croker, CEO, Aristocrat Technologies and Chairman, AGA
- Christie Eickelman, Vice President, Global Marketing, GLI and (former) President, Global Gaming Women
- Alan Feldman, Board Chairman, International Center for Responsible Gaming
- Brian Hansberry, President, Delaware North, Gaming
- Steve Sutherland, President and CEO, Konami Gaming Inc.
- Virginia Valentine, President and CEO, Nevada Resort Association
Headshots of the inductees can be downloaded for editorial use here. The inductees’ accomplishments include:
Knute Knudson, Jr., Vice President of Global Business Development and Tribal Ambassador, IGT
Knute Knudson, Jr. has dedicated his career to tribal gaming and the entire Indian community, serving as an advocate, mentor, and transformative business leader. His efforts have influenced the success of hundreds of tribes as they established and expanded their Indian gaming operations across the U.S. In his early career at the U.S. Department of the Interior, Knudson led efforts to implement the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, working on compacts, trust applications, and National Indian Gaming Commission appointments. He played an integral role in securing economic self-sufficiency for Indian Country throughout the 1990s and authored Getting Started in Indian Gaming, which became the blueprint for the first decade of tribal gaming startups. Knudson is recognized across the industry for the vital role he played, and continues to play, in the growth and economic modernization of tribal gaming.
Jeremy M. Jacobs, Chairman, Delaware North
Jeremy “Jerry” Jacobs is a pioneer of gaming and hospitality. He is currently the chairman of Delaware North, owner, chairman, and governor of the Boston Bruins, and chairman of the NHL’s Board of Governors. He led a transformation of Delaware North into a global company with roots in gaming, hospitality, and entertainment. Whether casino gaming in its early days or sports betting today, Jacobs helps stakeholders understand the benefits of the industry to the economy and communities. He built coalitions of competitors who shared the same goals and always played the long game, which is reflected in today’s thriving, modern gaming industry. This is most evident in the NHL and sports leagues transformation on sports betting. Jacobs is enabling critical partnerships between gaming operators and the leagues and franchises by educating colleagues on the mutual benefits of sports betting. The more than 200 sports-gaming partnerships today would have been inconceivable when Jerry started his career, but his vision and commitment to gaming’s growth paved the way. Today, Delaware North owns or operates gaming destinations in seven U.S. states as well as in Darwin, Australia, and owns Ruby Seven Studios, a leading social casino developer. The company recently announced a partnership with GAMING1 to launch Gamewise, a joint venture for sports betting and iGaming.
James R. Maida, President and CEO, Gaming Laboratories International
James R. Maida is a legend in the casino business. As a lawyer in the New Jersey regulatory system, he quickly saw that his agency was getting overwhelmed with requests to test slot machine systems, so he began to do it himself out of his spare bedroom in his apartment. He started Gaming Laboratories International (GLI®) in 1989, and today has grown it into an international company serving the needs of the gaming industry and regulators alike. Through Maida’s innovation at GLI, jurisdictions everywhere have embraced gaming, unencumbered by the burden of establishing, running, and continually funding their own government-run labs.
Jim Shore, General Counsel, Seminole Tribe of Florida
Jim Shore’s career has defined the Florida gaming industry and reverberated across tribal gaming. As the first member of the Seminole Tribe to become a lawyer, he has served as the Seminole Tribe’s general counsel since the 1980s. Shore is credited with leading the compact negotiations and legal efforts that have helped make the Seminole Tribe and its gaming ventures the success they are today. He recently led compact negotiations with the state of Florida to expand into new forms of gaming.
Jeffrey A. Silver, Of Counsel, Dickinson Wright PLLC
Jeffrey A. Silver’s contributions to gaming and, specifically Las Vegas, reach every aspect of the industry from regulatory to casino operations to legal. Silver first made his mark in gaming when he took a stand against organized crime as a member of the Nevada Gaming Control Board and subsequently laid the foundation for corporate investment in gaming. His reputation opened the door for innovation when he took on leadership roles at various Las Vegas casino resorts. Silver is attributed with bringing the first food and beverage corporate partners into the casino, leading “The Burger King Revolution” that was key to driving middle class tourism to Las Vegas in the 1980s. Silver’s third act as an internationally recognized lawyer and trusted advisor has helped shaped today’s global landscape.
Dr. Mark Yoseloff, Retired Chairman, CEO, Shuffle Master, Inc.; Founder, UNLV Center for Gaming Innovation
Dr. Mark Yoseloff’s innovative mind transformed casino table games and, today, inspires the next generation of gaming. As a Ph.D in mathematics he created classic games like Mississippi Stud Poker and other legendary table games. Yoseloff—the owner of hundreds of gaming patents—led ShuffleMaster from a small shuffling machine company to an international giant introducing groundbreaking products and services to the casino floor. Yoseloff then used his talents to create UNLV’s Center for Gaming Innovation to teach the next generation of game creators. His internationally acclaimed program has led to the creation of countless new games and patents—all owned by his students to empower them on their path into the gaming industry.
As gaming continues to expand into new states and verticals, Americans continue to appreciate the benefits and excitement of legal, regulated gaming. New AGA research shows that 42 percent of American adults participated in some form of gambling in the past year, while casino visitation rebounded to 34% of Americans, up from 28% in 2021.
The AGA’s annual survey of Americans’ attitudes towards gaming shows that two-thirds of Americans recognize gaming’s economic impact: 64% say that gaming has a positive impact on the U.S. economy and 66% say that the gaming industry is a source of high-quality jobs.
In addition to the well-understood economic benefits that come with legal gaming, the industry’s ongoing investment in responsible gaming continues to resonate with gaming consumers. Eighty-seven percent of past-year gamblers (participated in land-based or online casino gaming or sports betting) are aware of at least one responsible gaming resource and nearly half (45%) noted an uptick in the volume of responsible gaming information over the past 12 months. Awareness is slightly higher among sports bettors, with 92 percent of past-year bettors being familiar with at least one responsible gaming tool and 51 percent having seen or heard more responsible gaming information in the past year.
Overall, 82 percent of past-year gamblers (and 92% of past-year sports bettors) recall seeing or hearing about responsible gaming in the past year.
- Sports bettors and iGamers most often recall seeing responsible gaming information on casino or sportsbook websites or apps, as well as on online/social media
- In-person casino gamblers most often see such information on online/social media, signs/posters in a casino area and radio or television ads.
In addition to nearly universal awareness of responsible gaming tools, a large majority (73%) of past-year gamblers (82% of past-year sports bettors) view those tools as effective.
As a result of the widespread awareness of responsible gaming resources and confidence in their efficacy, 73% of past-year gamblers (81% of past-year sports bettors) agree that the industry is committed to encouraging responsible gaming and combatting problem gambling.
Other notable findings
Methodology
Kantar, on behalf of the American Gaming Association, conducted an online survey August 17-23, 2022 among a nationally representative sample of 2,000 American voters aged 21 and over related to responsible gaming and industry perceptions. The margin of error is +/- 2 percent and greater among subgroups.