With a burgeoning casino industry, Massachusetts gaming industry leaders gathered during the 21st annual Responsible Gaming Education Week to discuss how they view responsible gaming as not just a pledge, but a priority.
Stephen Crosby, chairman of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, began by sharing how when he took his role as chairman, he knew little about the industry, and as a result he was curious if casinos would be proactive partners on responsible gaming efforts. Since then, Crosby has seen firsthand that the industry “does take the [responsible gaming] issue seriously,” and is “tremendously collaborative” in responsibility efforts.
Later in the discussion, Crosby remarked that funding for responsibility programs and research would soon be increased to $15-20 million because of the introduction of casino gaming to the state—up from $1 million in funding when gambling was restricted exclusively to the lottery.
Alan Feldman, executive vice president of MGM Resorts International, stressed the importance of finding a balance between harm minimization and healthy behavior maximization, emphasizing the need to educate the public on the risk involved in gambling and how to identify signs of problem gambling. He added that casino operators have prioritized this issue by being the top funders of peer-reviewed research on problem gambling over the last two decades.
Russell Sanna, executive director at the National Center for Responsible Gaming (NCRG), observed that gambling has always been part of the world’s social fabric—the questions are: “what is it that people are doing that allows them to enjoy gaming [normally],” and “what is going on at the service level” where we can better engage those that may need help. If we can solve those two questions, Sanna says, we can amplify our impact on responsibility in gaming.
The event also highlighted AGA’s updated Code of Conduct and AGA’s Responsible Gaming Collaborative, both of which represent a membership-wide commitment to holding the industry to the highest standards of responsible gaming.
Additional panelists included Jim Baldacci, deputy chief compliance officer, Penn National Gaming; Sara Slane, senior vice president of public affairs, American Gaming Association; and Marlene Warner, executive director, Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling and president of the board of directors for the National Council on Problem Gambling.
Media Highlights
- Opinion: Responsible betting is a priority for gaming backers in Massachusetts, Dorchester Reporter
- AGA Hosts Responsible Gaming Education Week Event in Boston as Industry Expands in State, CDC Gaming Reports
Speakers
Jim Baldacci
Deputy Chief Compliance Officer, Penn National Gaming
Stephen Crosby
Chairman, Massachusetts Gaming Commission (moderator)
Alan Feldman
Executive Vice President, MGM Resorts International
Dr. Russell Sanna
Executive Director, National Center for Responsible Gaming
Sara Slane
Senior Vice President of Public Affairs, American Gaming Association
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
Photo Gallery
Washington – The American Gaming Association (AGA) announced the Gaming Hall of Fame Class of 2023, honoring four leaders for their significant contributions to the industry:
- Bill Anoatubby, Governor, Chickasaw Nation
- Robert Miodunski, Former CEO, American Gaming Systems; Former President & CEO, Alliance Gaming and President, Bally Gaming
- Jim Murren, Former Chairman and CEO, MGM Resorts International
- Ellen Whittemore, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, Wynn Resorts
“This year’s Gaming Hall of Fame class enshrines industry leaders that have positively transformed businesses and communities through their contributions to gaming,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller. “From leading casino and supplier operations to advancing industry regulation and tribal gaming, Bill, Ellen, Jim and Robert’s far-reaching impacts on gaming are indelible—and undoubtedly worthy of inclusion in the Hall of Fame.”
Since 1989, the Gaming Hall of Fame has recognized gaming legends, pioneers and business leaders for their lasting impacts on the industry. The Class of 2023 will be honored during an invitation-only induction ceremony at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas this October.
“The Gaming Hall of Fame honors the diverse ways gaming leaders elevate our industry,” said AGA Chairman of the Board & Hard Rock International Chairman and Seminole Gaming CEO Jim Allen. “This year’s class epitomizes this principle, and we look forward to celebrating their accomplishments at G2E 2023.”
Hall of Fame honorees are selected by an independent panel of gaming executives. This year’s selection committee members include:
- Brett Abarbanel, Executive Director, International Gaming Institute, UNLV
- Jim Allen, Chairman, Hard Rock International and CEO, Seminole Gaming
- Kirsten Clark, Executive Director, International Association of Gaming Advisors
- John Connelly, CEO, Interblock
- Brian Hansberry, President, Gaming, Delaware North
- Bill Lance, Secretary of State, Chickasaw Nation
- Mark Lipparelli, Chairman, International Center for Responsible Gaming
- Cassie Stratford, SVP, Legal Operations & Compliance, Boyd Gaming; President and Chair, Global Gaming Women
- Howard Stutz, Senior Reporter, The Nevada Independent
Additional information about each inductee’s accomplishments is below, and headshots can be downloaded for editorial use here.
Bill Anoatubby, Governor, Chickasaw Nation
Anoatubby has served as Governor of the Chickasaw Nation since 1987. Early in his tenure, Anoatubby recognized the important role gaming could play in advancing sustainable economic development and self-determination for the tribe. Since 1987, gaming operations have helped drive the number of Chickasaw Nation employees from 250 to more than 14,000, expanding tribal assets two-hundredfold. As Governor, Anoatubby oversees the tribe’s operation of more than 100 diversified businesses—including 24 tribal gaming locations—generating funding for 200-plus programs and services that benefit education, healthcare, housing and more for Chickasaw families, Oklahomans and their communities. Anoatubby also played an integral role establishing the Indian Gaming Association and Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association, as well as negotiating the 2004 Oklahoma gaming compact which solidified the future of tribal gaming in the state. Under Governor Anoatubby’s direction, the Chickasaw Nation also places a strong emphasis on preserving and sharing its heritage, history, language and culture.
Robert Miodunski, Former CEO, American Gaming Systems; Former President & CEO, Alliance Gaming and President, Bally Gaming
As President of United Coin Machine Co. (a division of publicly traded Alliance Gaming Corp.) from 1994-99, Miodunski built the nation’s largest gaming route operation, totaling more than 8,000 gaming devices. He also led the development and launch of Gamblers Bonus, the first patented cardless player tracking and bonusing system for route operation in Nevada. Promoted to President and CEO of Alliance Gaming and President of Bally Gaming in 1999, he led a team that resurrected the venerable Bally brand to its place as one of the global gaming industry’s top casino suppliers, eventually transforming into Bally Technologies. Miodunski retired in 2004, then returned to the industry in 2010 to head American Gaming Systems (AGS) as CEO, expanding the company’s footprint in Class II and Class III gaming before AGS was acquired by a private equity firm in 2014. Most recently, Miodunski served as a board member of Golden Entertainment from 2015 to 2021.
Jim Murren, Former Chairman and CEO, MGM Resorts International
Murren is the former Chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International, serving in the role from 2008 to 2020. During his time leading MGM Resorts, Murren guided the company through the wake of the Great Recession, overhauled the company’s healthcare policy to better serve employees, led technological innovation in gaming, and drove increased tourism to Las Vegas. Following his tenure at MGM Resorts, Murren headed Nevada’s COVID-19 Response, Relief, and Recovery Task Force as its gubernatorially appointed chairman, working closely with local government leaders and the private sector to secure personal protective equipment, establish a robust statewide testing system, and ensure Nevada students were provided with the resources to learn remotely. Murren has also been an integral figure in bringing professional sports to Las Vegas, leading the construction of T-Mobile Arena, becoming a founding partner of the Vegas Golden Knights, organizing the purchase and relocation of the Las Vegas Aces, and more. He currently serves as Chairman and CEO of Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.
Ellen Whittemore, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, Wynn Resorts
Whittemore serves as Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary for Wynn Resorts. In her role, she leads the company’s global legal affairs as well as the entirety of its philanthropic, community relations and government affairs activities. She has been instrumental in Wynn Resorts’ efforts to enhance its workplace culture as well as its corporate ethics and governance, and was integral in crafting the company’s global response to the pandemic. Whittemore is also a member of the board of directors of Wynn Macau, Limited. Her legal career spans more than 30 years in gaming and hospitality, during which she has represented many of the industry’s largest companies in noteworthy regulatory matters. Before her career in private and corporate practice, Whittemore served in the Nevada Attorney General’s Office, Gaming Division, where she authored several Nevada Gaming Commission regulations that remain in place today. Whittemore has long been an active community and industry leader and is the current Chair of the Nevada Resort Association and the former President of the International Association of Gaming Advisors.
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BOSTON & WASHINGTON – DraftKings Inc. (Nasdaq: DKNG) today announced the company will collaborate with the American Gaming Association (AGA) to promote the AGA’s Have A Game Plan.® Bet Responsibly.™ public service campaign. DraftKings has committed to apply the campaign to many of the company’s owned channels, including at DraftKings’ retail gaming properties, to promote safer play. This collaboration marks the first time in the industry that the Have A Game Plan campaign will be comprehensively rolled out across a national retail sportsbook footprint. The campaign will appear in all ten DraftKings retail sportsbooks across the country.
“We are excited to join forces with the American Gaming Association to promote their forward-thinking public service campaign, Have A Game Plan,” said Christine Thurmond, DraftKings’ director of responsible gaming. “Customer safety is paramount, and we are confident that implementing Have A Game Plan alongside our own responsible gaming messaging and tools will enable us to increase customer exposure to responsible gaming practices and ultimately foster safer play.”
Through Have a Game Plan, the AGA and its partners educate consumers on the basics of responsible sports betting while increasing awareness of problem gambling. DraftKings will roll out campaign signage, including physical and electronic posters, at its retail properties, with the goal of teaching patrons about the signs of problem gambling and behaviors and practices that align with responsible sports betting. DraftKings operates retail sportsbooks in Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Mississippi, New Jersey, New Hampshire, and New York.
“Responsibility is a fundamental priority for the American gaming industry,” said Casey Clark, AGA senior vice president of strategic communications. “With more than 100 million American adults now able to legally bet on sports nationwide, it is critical to educate consumers about how to safely and responsibly bet on the sports they love – and bringing the Have a Game Plan campaign to DraftKings’ extensive network of sportsbooks and customers is a great way to do just that. We are thankful for their significant commitment to keeping bettors safe and educated about responsible gaming.”
Outside of the retail sportsbooks, DraftKings will incorporate Have A Game Plan into its owned channels, including digital marketing and social media, and alongside its existing responsible gaming framework, It’s More Fun When It’s For Fun. The company uses these channels to inculcate responsible gaming behaviors in customers, including upon their first deposit into the mobile sportsbook, and regularly thereafter. In addition to the Have A Game Plan campaign, DraftKings will use It’s More Fun When It’s For Fun to promote responsible betting through social media, with ongoing content released from the DraftKings Sportsbook account to highlight player protection information and tools.
DraftKings’ responsible gaming mission is to mitigate harm and protect vulnerable populations using groundbreaking technology, providing training and resources for employees and consumers, and by supporting evidence-based research. DraftKings and the AGA are contributors to the International Center for Responsible Gaming’s Fund to Support Research on Sports Wagering. DraftKings tailors its products across sports wagering and iGaming to provide customers with responsible gaming tools, resources, and services they need to play responsibly. These practices include limit setting, cooling-off periods, and self-exclusion.
Have A Game Plan has wide support throughout the sports betting ecosystem. DraftKings joins several of its sports league collaborators which have already joined the initiative, including UFC, NASCAR, and the PGA TOUR.
To learn more about DraftKings’ commitment to responsible gaming and to advancing social innovation around the world, please visit DraftKings S.E.R.V.E.S.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Penn National Gaming (Nasdaq: PENN) (“Penn National” or the “Company”), the largest regional casino operator in the United States, is the latest gaming operator to join the American Gaming Association’s (AGA) Have A Game Plan.® Bet Responsibly™ public service campaign.
Penn National, which currently offers legal sports betting in 13 states, will promote Have A Game Plan responsible sports betting content on its Barstool Sportsbook digital platforms and social media accounts. The Company will also activate Have A Game Plan in all of Penn National’s brick-and-mortar sportsbook locations.
“Responsible gaming is core to our sports betting operations, and we’re thrilled to extend these efforts through our partnership with the AGA’s Have A Game Plan initiative,” said Jon Kaplowitz, Penn National’s Head of Interactive. “Our customers are sports fans first, and this campaign will allow us to educate everyone, whether they are new to sports betting or seasoned bettors, on how to wager responsibly in a fan-friendly way.”
Launched in late 2019, AGA established Have A Game Plan to teach consumers the fundamentals of responsible sports betting as legal wagering options expand across the U.S. The initiative focuses on four key tenets of responsible gaming: setting a budget and sticking to it, keeping betting social, knowing the odds, and playing with trusted, regulated operators.
“Penn National’s expansive digital and land-based footprint will amplify our Have A Game Plan campaign to consumers across the country,” said AGA Senior Vice President Casey Clark. “We are appreciative of Penn National’s significant commitment to the campaign as we collectively work to ensure every sports bettor is equipped with the knowledge to wager responsibly.”
Penn National joins 20 partners and counting in the AGA’s Have A Game Plan campaign, which spans sports leagues, teams, media companies and other gaming companies. For more information, please visit HaveAGamePlan.org.
Promoting responsible gaming is a core value and commitment for Penn National and its properties across the country. The Company uses a variety of approaches to promote responsible gaming, including but not limited to team member responsible gaming training programs and an “Exclude One, Exclude All” policy, whereby any self-excluded person is banned across all Penn National properties and on its digital platforms. In addition, the Company uses specific responsible gaming social media handles to educate the public on responsible gaming, offers responsible gaming limits in all jurisdictions where Penn National offers online gaming, and maintains ongoing monitoring and reviews to gauge the effectiveness of these programs.
For more information about the Company’s commitment to responsible gaming, please visit Penn National’s Responsible Gaming Commitment website.
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.
IGT
“The values that we have built up over time are well established and will continue to be a foundation of our Company.” – Marco Sala, CEO
Advancing Sustainability
Lowering Carbon Emissions
IGT strives to continually improve its environmental management systems and lower its impact.
IGT’s Lakeland, Florida facility maintains an emissions-reduction program for its printing presses. In 2020, the facility reduced emissions of volatile organic compounds by nine percent over the previous year.
The Company’s North America Hubs initiative reduced emissions related to returns of electronic gaming machines from casinos through logistics improvements and regional consolidation hubs.
The MySelf project, which provides remote troubleshooting for point-of-sale gaming terminals without field intervention, resulted in reduced emissions of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides and particulate matter. With 101,072 planned interventions, 86,259 were completed in the field in 2020.
Reducing Resource Consumption & Waste
The reduction of energy consumption is one of IGT’s environmental strategy priorities. The Company’s industrial sites employ ISO 140001 Environmental Management Systems designed to continually improve energy efficiency.
On behalf of the Hoosier Lottery, IGT offers digital pay slips and has supported first-of-its-kind research into the environmental impacts of scratch-off lottery tickets.
IGT’s Lakeland, Florida facility was recognized as the Sustainability Program winner in the 2021 FTA Sustainability Excellence Awards for its waste reclamation program.
Disclosure
IGT’s disclosure efforts have been recognized by several of the most reputable ESG analysts and rating institutions, including the Bloomberg Gender Equality Index, the Carbon Disclosure Project, EcoVadis, Financial Times Stock Exchange, Sustainalytics and Morgan Stanley Capital Investment, the world’s largest ESG rating and research provider.
U.N. Sustainable Development Goals
IGT has selected nine sustainable developmental goals from the 2030 United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development based on its business activities and sustainability priorities and is identifying specific targets and initiatives aimed at making progress toward these goals. IGT has also joined the world’s largest corporate responsibility initiative, the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), which calls on companies to align their business practices with principles in the areas of human rights, the environment, anti-corruption and labor.
Strengthening Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Strengthening Employee DEI
At IGT, employee networks centered around underrepresented dimensions of diversity, called Diversity and Inclusion Groups (DIGS), provide employees throughout the Company with opportunities for career development, networking and professional engagement. Advancing Cultural Education (ACE) at IGT is devoted to the advancement of people of African descent in the gaming industry.
In 2019, the All-In Diversity Project recognized IGT as one of the highest-ranking participants in its annual benchmarking of inclusion.
Supply Chain Responsibility
IGT’s Supplier Code of Conduct requires that all suppliers and vendors adhere to environmental, social and corporate governance standards.
IGT also works with many suppliers classified as diverse suppliers and businesses majority-owned by women, people of color, LGBTQ persons, veterans or persons with disabilities.
Suppliers are also screened for compliance with human rights and environmental practices. Major OEM (original equipment manufacturers) suppliers are subject to periodic visits to ensure compliance with social and environmental responsibility principles.
Along with a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery anywhere in the supply chain, IGT also requests that suppliers adopt conflict mineral policies.
Investing in Communities
Expanding Education & Career Opportunities
After School Advantage (ASA), IGT’s flagship giving program, provides students around the world access to digital learning centers and technology to promote STEM education opportunities. In 2020, IGT opened 15 new ASA learning centers.
Addressing Critical Community Needs
Composed of more than 160 employees throughout the world, IGT’s Community Ambassador program allows employees to organize local community engagement and connections with local organizations. The Matching Gifts, Day Off for Volunteerism, and Dollars for Doers programs support IGT employees’ community support efforts. IGT is also a long-time supporter of Children’s Cabinet, a social support agency providing critical family services in Nevada.
Responsible Leadership
Protecting & Empowering Consumers
Responsible gaming tools are incorporated into all IGT products and services. IGT sponsors the National Council on Problem Gambling’s annual conference. IGT’s advertising and marketing complies with AGA’s Responsible Gaming Code of Conduct. IGT also supports the AGA’s Responsible Gaming Education Week (RGEW). In 2020, IGT created an internal campaign to test employee knowledge of responsible gaming and an external social media campaign mirroring AGA’s RGEW campaign.
IGT-operated lotteries in the U.S. received Level 4 in Responsible Gaming Certification from the World Lottery Association and is a Premium Partner of the European Lotteries.
Establishing & Following Rigorous Business Standards
IGT was the first gaming vendor in the world to receive G4’s responsible gaming accreditation, which it renewed again in 2020. G4 accreditation requires employee training, dedicated responsible gaming policies and a commitment to research. IGT also advises gaming organizations throughout the world on best practices for responsible gaming.
Training Employees
IGT-designed training courses provide employees at all levels with role-specific training. All newly hired employees receive responsible gaming general awareness training and all employees renew their responsible gaming training every three years.
IGT was the first gaming Company to implement the Game Awareness in Player Protection training, which helps game designers understand the relationship between game mechanics and responsible gaming.
IGT collaborates with stakeholders, including researchers, to review trainings such as its B2C contact center training, which provides role-specific responsible gaming training to employees that have regular contact with players.
DraftKings
“Throughout our journey to becoming a leader in digital sports entertainment, our business decisions have been guided by our commitment to our customers, our employees and the local communities around the world in which we operate. Cybersecurity, sustainability, compliance, responsible gaming, the health of our employees and the betterment of our communities are intrinsic to the continued success of our business and the value we deliver for our shareholders.” – Jason Robins, CEO
Advancing Sustainability
Lowering Carbon Emissions
DraftKings relies on cloud computing for many of its activities, which according to one estimate offers an 88 percent reduction in carbon emissions related to consumed electricity than other data storage options. Further, the Company has a clean-tech data center supplier that is committed to achieving 100 percent renewable energy usage for its global infrastructure by 2030, and the power mix from our cloud computing activities is 28 percent less carbon-intense than the global average. DraftKings remains committed to further reduction.
Another way DraftKings is committed to environmental sustainability is through funding the planting of 1 million trees by Earth Day 2022 in collaboration with the Arbor Day Foundation and Special Board Advisor to the CEO and Board of Directors for ESG initiatives Gisele Bundchen. The trees will be planted in 15 U.S. states and nine additional countries, helping to clean water, purify air, sequester carbon and promote ecosystem resilience and poverty alleviation. Through these efforts, more than 780,000 metric tons of carbon will be sequestered, more than 5,000 tons of air pollution will be avoided, and more than 750 million gallons of water runoff will be avoided.
Strengthening Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Strengthening Employee DEI
DraftKings is committed to inclusive and responsible pathways for its employees. DraftKings has a passion for encouraging diversity within its workforce and the broader sports-tech entertainment industry, with a balanced and diversified workforce that promotes an environment of belonging and acceptance.
In 2021, DraftKings was proud to be included among the top 10 on Boston Globe’s inaugural Top Places to Work: Diversity and Inclusion List. Most recently, DraftKings has been recognized on a national level for its DE&I practices, receiving a cultural excellence award for the 2021 Top Workplaces.
Investing in Communities
Delivering in Times of Crisis
DraftKings prioritizes investments in communities in need, using its platform as a catalyst for raising funds and awareness. Particular efforts include raising funds for breast cancer research.
DraftKings’ engages its players in supporting critical causes through charity contests. Proceeds have supported Feeding Texas and Feeding Louisiana’s efforts to aid people impacted by natural disasters in local communities.
Addressing Critical Community Needs
DraftKings S.E.R.V.E.S. (Service, Equity, Responsibility, Vitality, Entrepreneurship, Sports)
is a catalyst to facilitate meaningful relationships between our employees and customers and the communities and causes about which they feel passion.
Expanding education and career development opportunities
Giving back to veterans is an important part of S.E.R.V.E.S. Tech for Heroes (TfH), that provides current and returning veterans and military spouses with free, comprehensive, high-tech job skills training. Since June 2018, TfH has trained nearly 500 active duty, veterans or military spouses, and more than 63 percent of participants are from diverse groups.
Beyond this, DraftKings works with American Corporate Partners (ACP) in their mission to end veteran underemployment. Through the ACP mentorship program, DraftKings employees are matched 1:1 with veterans across the country to help with career navigation, interview skills and networking.
Cambridge Health Alliance
In June 2021, DraftKings announced its strategic consulting agreement with the Division on Addiction at Cambridge Health Alliance, affiliated with Harvard Medical School, to advance responsible gaming training for employees.
In coordination with the DraftKings Responsible Gaming team, the Division is creating an innovative, systems-based safer play approach to training employees across the business in responsible gaming. Training includes a logic model, conceptual map, needs assessment schedule and evaluation plan. Systems-based safer play describes a method that includes approaches to training, business practices and player resources that recognize and respond to the larger context of the gaming environment and its interacting elements.
Responsible Leadership
Protecting and Empowering Customers
DraftKings’ focus in responsible gaming is to leverage technology, employee training, evidence-based research and education to protect consumers. The Company tailors its sports betting and iGaming products to provide customers with responsible gaming tools, resources and services they need to play responsibly. These practices include limit setting, cooling-off periods and self-exclusion from offerings.
The Company trains all employees in responsible gaming annually and at the start of employment.
Broadly, the Company uses its digital marketing channels, including email and social media, to regularly educate and remind customers of responsible gaming behaviors and displays responsible gaming messages at team venues.
Investing in Research and Partnering with Advocacy Groups
DraftKings is a funder of the International Center for Responsible Gaming (ICRG). As a result of DraftKings’ contribution to the Fund to Support Research on Sports Wagering, the ICRG was able to proceed with a competitive request for applications from researchers around the world who are interested in pursuing groundbreaking research on problem gaming.
DraftKings also contributed to the Kindbridge Research Institute to support a new research program studying the nexus of veterans and responsible gaming, with the ultimate goal of advancing evidence-based research in problem gaming and improving the lives of impacted veterans.
In 2022, DraftKings launched its State Council Funding Program, a new responsible gaming initiative offering each state problem gambling council $15,000 per year for three years and representing an overall commitment of $1.5+ million. Thirty-five states have a state problem gambling council, all of which are affiliates of the National Council on Problem Gambling.
DraftKings is also committed to the AGA’s Have A Game Plan.® public service campaign, rolling out the campaign in DraftKings retail sportsbooks and integrating it into in-stadium and TV content.
WASHINGTON & NEW YORK – FanDuel Group and the American Gaming Association (AGA) announced today an initiative to broadly promote responsible sports wagering through the AGA’s Have A Game Plan.® Bet Responsibly.™ public service campaign. FanDuel is the first mobile sportsbook operator to sign on to the AGA’s national campaign to promote the fundamentals of responsible sports betting.
As part of this engagement, FanDuel is making a multi-million-dollar commitment of its media inventory, as well as league and team assets and directing them towards responsible gaming messaging. The company will also work with its league, team and media partners to grow the campaign across television, radio, digital and in-venue media. The company and the AGA are aiming to have responsible gaming content live in May 2021.
Through Have a Game Plan, the AGA and its partners provide consumers a state-by-state guide on where to find legal operators, spotlight the basics of responsible sports betting and raise awareness on signs of problem gambling.
“As the mobile gaming industry leader in the U.S., we believe promoting responsible gaming behaviors is a core tenet of growing our business and the industry as a whole,” said Matt King, CEO of FanDuel Group. “We are not only going to commit substantial FanDuel resources to promote Have a Game Plan but we intend to build a consortium of partners throughout the sports and gaming business to scale this initiative and we encourage other operators to join us.”
“FanDuel’s commitment to support and grow Have a Game Plan couldn’t come at a better time,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller. “Responsibility to our customers has always been a pillar of AGA member operations. Extending this to meet the new realities of an expanded sports betting ecosystem is going to require full collaboration with everyone involved in it – gaming operators, media companies and leagues and teams. We’re excited to have a partner like FanDuel to help extend this important initiative.”
Fan and consumer education are critical as the legal sports betting market continues to expand throughout the United States. Today, sports betting is legal in 25 states and the District of Columbia. There are 17 active bills in state legislatures aiming to legalize sports betting in their jurisdiction.
The AGA launched Have a Game Plan in late 2019 to educate sports fans on the importance of responsible sports betting. As the first sportsbook partner involved in the campaign, FanDuel joins NASCAR, the NHL, the PGA TOUR, Monumental Sports and Entertainment and the Vegas Golden Knights as official campaign partners.
March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month. If you or anyone you know needs help, resources are available through the National Center on Problem Gambling. Anyone seeking assistance is encouraged to call or text 1-800-522-4700.
About FanDuel Group
FanDuel Group is an innovative sports-tech entertainment company that is changing the way consumers engage with their favorite sports, teams and leagues. The premier gaming destination in the United States, FanDuel Group consists of a portfolio of leading brands across gaming, sports betting, daily fantasy sports, advance-deposit wagering, and TV/media, including FanDuel, Betfair US and TVG. FanDuel Group has a presence across 45 states and 12.5 million customers. The company is based in New York with offices in California, New Jersey, Florida, Oregon and Scotland. FanDuel Group is a subsidiary of Flutter Entertainment plc, a leading international sports betting and gaming operator and a constituent of the FTSE 100 index of the London Stock Exchange.
About the 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.
The American Gaming Association (AGA) has contributed $100,000 as a founding donor of the National Center for Responsible Gaming’s (NCRG) new Fund to Support Research on Sports Wagering. The fund is the first in the nation dedicated solely to studying the impact of sports wagering on American bettors since the Supreme Court overturned the federal ban on sports betting in May 2018.
Research supported by NCRG’s fund 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. The creation of the fund will be discussed today at a Get to Know Gaming event at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, which will highlight the industry’s commitment to responsibility during Responsible Gaming Education Week (RGEW).
“The expansion of legal, regulated sports betting has made it increasingly important that responsible gaming is not only a signature priority in new gaming markets, but that we also continue to deepen our understanding of effective responsible gaming practices,” said Bill Miller, president and CEO of the American Gaming Association. “The American Gaming Association is pleased to be a founding donor of this important endeavor.”
MGM Resorts International joined AGA as a founding donor. AGA members William Hill US, GVC Holdings PLC, IGT and Hard Rock International have also made significant contributions to the fund, in addition to NASCAR.
“The NCRG has long been a catalyst in the field of gaming research. This fund is especially significant because it will open up research in a previously understudied field in the United States – defining what we know about the effects of sports wagering for years to come,” said Dr. Russell Sanna, executive director for the National Center for Responsible Gaming. “With new opportunities for legal sports betting around the country, policymakers, practitioners, the entire industry, and the public will benefit from expanding our knowledge on this issue.”
In conjunction with RGEW, AGA also released a new version of its comprehensive Responsible Gaming: Regulations and Statutes. Updated to meet the needs of researchers, lawmakers and regulators in the ever-modernizing casino gaming industry, the latest version is a collection of the statutes and regulations addressing responsible gaming in the 28 states, plus the District of Columbia, with commercial casinos or sports betting regulations as of Aug. 31, 2019. It underscores the industry’s approach to addressing responsible gaming across hundreds of jurisdictions.
Washington, D.C. – The American Gaming Association (AGA) has released updates to the association’s Responsible Marketing Code for Sports Wagering (the Code), which sets the industry standard for responsibility in marketing and advertising of sports betting.
“Established in 2019, AGA’s Responsible Marketing Code reflects the commitment of our members to set and adhere to a high bar for responsible advertising,” stated AGA President and CEO Bill Miller. “Today’s updates advance that commitment and represent our intention to protect consumers and evolve our standards as this nascent market matures.”
The changes—developed in collaboration with AGA members—are the most significant to the Code since its inception, including:
- Enhancing protections for college-aged audiences by:
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- Prohibiting college partnerships that promote, market or advertise sports wagering activity (other than to alumni networks or content focused on responsible gaming initiatives or problem gambling awareness).
- Prohibiting sportsbook NIL deals for amateur and college athletes.
- Adding age restrictions (21+) for any individual featured in sports betting advertising.
- Changing all references to the “legal age of wagering” to 21-plus.*
- Banning all use of “risk free” in advertising.
- Formalizing an annual process for reviewing and updating the Code.
The updated standards go into effect immediately with a grace period for existing or deployed assets until July 1, 2023. Full updates to the Code can be found here.
“Advertising plays an essential role in migrating consumers away from predatory illegal sportsbooks and into the protections of the legal, regulated market while providing responsible gaming resources,” added Miller. “The AGA and our members are committed to building a sustainable marketplace that protects vulnerable populations and gives consumers the knowledge and tools to keep sports betting fun for adults.”
In addition to updates to the Code, Dr. Jennifer Shatley has been named co-chair of the Code Compliance Review Board. Currently founder and principal consultant at Logan Avenue Consulting LLC and consulting partner for the Responsible Gambling Council, Dr. Shatley brings more than 25 years of experience in responsible gaming policy to oversee the compliance board and review Code violation complaints.
Background
- Sports betting accounted for less than half a percentage of total advertising volume last year, down 28% from 2021.
- 33 states and Washington, D.C. currently feature live, legal sports betting markets, with three additional legal markets awaiting launch.
- More than half of American adults (146M) live in a live, legal sports betting market.
- AGA’s Have A Game Plan.® Bet Responsibly.™public service campaign brings sports betting stakeholders together to educate new and seasoned sports bettors about how to bet responsibly.
About the Responsible Marketing Code for Sports Wagering
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 marketing activity of sports wagering where consumers are encouraged to place real money wagers. Industry stakeholders and consumers can flag perceived non-compliance on AmericanGaming.org.
About the AGA
As the national trade group representing the U.S. casino industry, the American Gaming Association (AGA) fosters a policy and business environment where legal, regulated gaming thrives. The AGA’s diverse membership of commercial and tribal casino operators, sports betting and iGaming companies, gaming suppliers, and more lead the $261 billion industry and support 1.8 million jobs across the country.
*Clarification: Changes all references in the Code to the “legal age of wagering” to 21-plus.