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.