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.
Washington, D.C. – The American Gaming Association (AGA) announced the Gaming Hall of Fame Class of 2022, honoring three leaders for their noteworthy contributions to the industry:
- Gavin Isaacs, former President and CEO, Scientific Games Corporation and current Chairman, Games Global
- Virginia McDowell, former President and CEO, Isle of Capri Casinos and current Non-Executive Director, Entain plc and Cofounder, Global Gaming Women
- Michael Rumbolz, former CEO, Everi Holdings, Inc. and current Executive Chairman of the Board, Everi Holdings, Inc.
“Gavin, Virginia and Mike have each helped transform the gaming industry in their own significant ways,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller. “From leading casino and manufacturing operations across the country to serving in a multitude of board and advisory roles, their influence has spanned the U.S. and global gaming industry—and we are all better off for it.”
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 2022 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 is comprised of individuals that have pushed the industry forward through innovation, leadership and excellence. This year’s inductees are well-deserving additions to its ranks,” said AGA Chairman of the Board and Hard Rock International Chairman and Seminole Gaming CEO Jim Allen. “I look forward to celebrating their contributions alongside the entire gaming industry at G2E 2022.”
Hall of Fame honorees are selected by an independent panel of gaming executives. This year’s selection committee members include:
- Jim Allen, Chairman, Hard Rock International and CEO, Seminole Gaming
- Kirsten Clark, Executive Director, International Association of Gaming Advisors
- Jeffrey Compton, Business Manager, CDC Gaming Reports
- Alan Feldman, Chairman, International Center for Responsible Gaming and Distinguished Fellow, UNLV International Gaming Institute
- Craig Ferreira, Interim Executive Director, UNLV International Center for Gaming Regulation
- Dan Little, Chief Intergovernmental Affairs Officer, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians
- Cassie Stratford, SVP, Legal Operations & Regulatory Compliance, Boyd Gaming and President and Chair, Global Gaming Women
- Steve Sutherland, President and CEO, Konami Gaming
Headshots of the inductees can be downloaded for editorial use here. The inductees’ accomplishments include:
Gavin Isaacs, Former President and CEO, Scientific Games Corporation; Current Chairman, Games Global
Currently chairman of Games Global, Isaacs helped form the American gaming landscape by serving as a top executive at several of the country’s largest casino suppliers and leading multiple industry-shaping mergers. He most recently served as president and CEO of Scientific Games (now Light & Wonder), where he oversaw the company’s acquisition of Bally Technologies. Prior to joining Scientific Games, he held positions as CEO of SHFL Entertainment and Executive Vice President and COO of Bally Technologies, facilitating significant revenue growth, global expansion, and improvements to the slot businesses at both companies. He began his career in gaming with Aristocrat Technologies, where he grew the company’s Americas business to record revenue.
Virginia McDowell, Former President and CEO, Isle of Capri Casinos; Current Non-Executive Director, Entain plc and Cofounder, Global Gaming Women
Named Gaming Executive of the Year for 2009 by Casino Journal Magazine, McDowell served as the only female president and CEO of a major gaming operating company from 2007 until her retirement from Isle of Capri Casinos in April 2016. She now serves as a non-executive director of Entain plc, where she chairs the Environmental, Social and Governance Committee and serves as the designated workforce director. McDowell is also the cofounder of Global Gaming Women, a nonprofit she established in 2016 with a mission to support, inspire and influence the development of women in the gaming industry through education and mentoring. Her career in gaming spans 40 years, with additional stints in casino operations in a number of regional and destination markets.
Michael Rumbolz, Former CEO, Everi Holdings, Inc.; Current Executive Chairman of the Board, Everi Holdings, Inc.
Rumbolz currently serves as Executive Chairman of the Board of Everi Holdings, Inc., having previously served as CEO of the company from February 2016 to April 2022. For the past 40 years, he has been involved in all aspects of the gaming industry with experience encompassing gaming-related equipment and systems manufacturing and distribution; casino project development and construction; hotel and casino operations; casino fintech equipment and systems; casino regulatory technology; digital gaming; lottery and slot-route operations; and gaming legislation and regulation. He previously served as the Chairman and CEO of Cash Systems Inc., CEO of Anchor Gaming Inc., and Vice Chairman of Casino Data Systems. Mike has been a member of the Board of Managers of Seminole Hard Rock International since 2008 and a member of the Board of Directors of VICI Properties Inc. since 2017. He also formerly served as Chief Deputy Attorney General of Nevada and Chairman of the Nevada Gaming Control Board.
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Sands
“These values represent our founder’s legacy and our Company’s future. My pledge is to carry our ESG commitment forward and aim to exceed the expectations of our stakeholders.” – Robert Goldstein, Chairman and CEO
Advancing Sustainability
Sands has undertaken a multi-pronged approach to addressing energy, climate change, water and waste as key initiatives for the award-winning Sands ECO360 global sustainability program.
Lowering Carbon Emissions
In 2020, Sands exceeded its greenhouse gas emissions reduction target one year ahead of schedule, achieving 38.4 percent and 92.0 percent reductions for resort and ferry operations respectively. Additionally, all properties increased their purchase of renewable energy credits (RECs) to provide more emission-free electricity. The Company’s science-based carbon reduction targets are in line with the Paris Agreement, and overall reporting of energy and climate change initiatives are guided by the Task Force of Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). Sands’ latest science-based target, approved by the Science Based Targets Initiative, is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 17.5 percent by 2025.
Reducing Resource Consumption & Waste
Beyond the use of RECs, the Company’s energy strategy focuses on reducing resource consumption through on-site energy generation and employment of energy efficient technologies. Initiatives such as the installation of solar panels on property structures and incorporating sustainable energy alternatives has made Sands a leader in environmentally responsible business operations. For example, 91 percent of light bulbs used at Sands resorts in 2020 were LED.
In the area of water conservation, Sands created the innovative Drop by Drop Project with Clean the World to invest funding from the Company’s internal water savings into water initiatives in its local communities.
Reducing waste in all facets of the business is also a key priority for Sands. Highlights include implementing a comprehensive food waste reduction strategy, including the use of artificial intelligence to address food overproduction; creation of innovative recycling programs such as the first resort-based PPE recycling program; and continued focus on eliminating, replacing, re-using and recycling single-use plastics.
Sands ECO360
The Sands ECO360 global sustainability program drives Sands’ environmental strategy through three initiatives: green buildings, responsible operations and green meetings and events. The program works to minimize Sands’ environmental impact and uphold its responsibility to the planet.
Strengthening Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Enhancing DEI Strategy
In 2020, Sands introduced a new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Charter, updated its diversity statements in board guidelines and increased transparency in DEI reporting through the Company’s ESG report. These accomplishments established a firm foundation to guide the Company’s next phase of initiatives in this area.
Accelerating DEI Engagement
From implementing a mentorship program for team members from diverse backgrounds to analyzing procurement spend and setting new targets for supplier diversity, Sands introduced new avenues to accelerate its DEI focus.
Addressing Social Justice Issues
In June 2020, Sands held a series of town hall sessions to provide open discussion on racial justice events, followed by a survey and focus groups to ensure the DEI issues most important to team members were being addressed. Strengthening external commitments to removing systemic barriers to advancement is also a Sands priority, recently providing $400,000 in new Sands Cares funding for nonprofits serving diverse groups.
Sands has invested in several DEI community partners this year, including a $163,000 contribution to The LGBTQ Center to help expand their clinic and a $75,000 donation to help the Asian Community Development Council establish an in-language client success advocacy program.
Investing in Communities
Spurring Economic Development
Sands’ presence around the globe brings a variety of economic benefits to its host communities. Cumulative global development investment in its regions is more than $23 billion, with an annual procurement spend of $2.7 billion and creation of hundreds of thousands of jobs annually. Most importantly, the Company is committed to keeping communities strong by being a catalyst for local business opportunity, investing in educational programs to support a thriving local workforce and helping solve its communities’ most pressing challenges.
Delivering in Times of Crisis
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Sands has provided $3.1 million in financial aid, 167,289 pounds of food to relief organizations and more than 3.1 million pieces of PPE, as well as COVID test kits, to medical personnel, schools and first responders.
Expanding Educational Opportunities
At the higher education level, Sands’ support includes partnership with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas on the Sands Center for Professional Development, grants for students at the Singapore Institute of Technology and funding for hospitality programs at Macao universities. At the K-12 level, Sands created an innovative Sands Cares partnership with educational nonprofit Nevada Succeeds to connect Nevada educators with the high-performance practices of the world-renowned Singapore educational system. Sands also partners with a variety of organizations on mentorship and other support programs to aid underserved students.
Addressing Critical Community Needs
Around the globe, the Sands Cares community engagement program works to address social issues and support vulnerable populations. The Sands Cares accelerator program provides guidance, mentorship and financial investment for nonprofits. In the U.S., Sands Cares spearheads the Company’s role as one of the Las Vegas region’s most prominent advocates for action on the homelessness crisis. Sands and Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth co-founded the Movement to End Youth Homelessness and the Southern Nevada Youth Homelessness Summit. Sands Cares has partnered with Clean the World to establish a mobile shower unit, which has provided more than 23,000 showers and 28,500 hygiene kits, along with a range of services and resources, to aid homeless and at-risk populations since its inception in 2017.
Responsible Leadership
Protecting & Empowering Consumers
Sands Project Protect safeguards guests and team members by establishing lasting solutions to promote responsible gaming practices, prevent financial crimes and provide countertrafficking measures. Sands’ goal is to lead the industry in executing policies and procedures that not only meet but also exceed government regulations in these areas.
Rigorous Standards and Training
Las Vegas Sands prides itself in having one of the most educated workforces in the industry when it comes to responsible gaming. All Sands team members undergo annual responsible gaming training. One of the Company’s industry-leading initiatives is its Responsible Gaming Ambassador Program, in which ambassadors are trained to direct guests that ask for help or appear to need help to responsible gaming resources. Ambassadors are stationed on casino floors 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Partnering in Research and Advocacy
In its communities around the world, Sands maintains a strong partnership with local problem gambling and recovery organizations to guide its efforts and ensure the Company remains on the forefront of responsible gaming practices. Sands is also the largest contributor to the International Center for Responsible Gaming.
Responsible Gaming & COVID-19
As resorts welcomed back guests after pandemic shutdowns, Sands took additional measures to monitor for increases in gambling behavior stemming from pandemic-related financial stress and personal hardship. Sands implemented additional prevention protocols, undertook pandemic-specific awareness and training activities to educate team members and made new self-limit forms available to guests.
Amplifying its awareness efforts, Sands addressed the intersection of COVID-19 and responsible gaming in its programming for the AGA’s Responsible Gaming Education Week and Responsible Gaming Ambassador training at properties worldwide.
Hosted at MGM National Harbor, the American Gaming Association (AGA) convened elected officials, local business owners, and gaming industry executives to discuss the importance of gaming’s positive impact in Maryland for the Get to Know Gaming series.
Representative Anthony Brown (MD-04) delivered opening remarks emphasizing the positive growth gaming has brought to the state, saying, “Put simply, gaming strengthened our public schools, our neighborhoods, and our local economy. Maryland made a big bet on gaming. Yes, the pun is intended. But as our casinos turned in their fourth-best month in gaming revenue numbers ever this past August, we’re seeing that bet pay off.” Brown also encouraged the industry and policymakers to continue to work together to “out-compete and out-innovate” other gaming destinations, but to do so in a responsible way.
AGA released Casinos & Communities: Maryland at the event, which offers a narrative look at the gaming industry’s economic and social contributions to Maryland communities. The research couples key data on gaming’s economic impact—15,364 jobs supported and $713 million in wages generated annually—with testimonials from local business owners, nonprofits, and elected officials about gaming’s positive impact in their communities.
The event, held during Responsible Gaming Education Week, also focused on the efforts of Maryland operators to promote responsible gaming. AGA President and CEO Bill Miller emphasized this, “Like their peers across the country, Maryland operators go above and beyond, contributing millions to statewide RG programs and working together to share best practices and evolve their own efforts as part of the Maryland Alliance on Responsible Gaming.”
Maryland gaming regularly engages and supports area small businesses, creates new partnerships with local nonprofit organizations, and provides good jobs that pave a path to the middle class for workers of all backgrounds and experiences. Owner of Be-Clean Cleaning Services, Carla Truitt, shared how gaming has impacted her small business. Through perseverance, ingenuity, and a conviction that “anything you touch can be cleaned,” she won the business of MGM National Harbor, which has allowed her business to grow from four employees to 32 in less than five years.
The event also included Mary Drexler, Program Director, MD Center of Excellence on Problem Gaming, Melonie Johnson, president and chief operating officer of MGM National Harbor, and William Parker, Owner, The Parker K-9 Group. Former Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker III moderated the discussion.
Media Highlights
- Gaming official: industry benefits Md., The Baltimore Sun
- Maryland Casinos Tout Success But Seek To Remain Competitive, Gambling Compliance
- AGA takes ‘Get to Know Gaming’ campaign to Maryland, SBC Americas
Speakers
Rushern Baker
Former Prince Georges County Executive
Rep. Anthony Brown
U.S. Representative (MD-04)
Mary Drexler
Director, Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gaming
Melonie Johnson
President & COO, MGM National Harbor
Bill Miller
President & CEO, American Gaming Association
William Parker
Owner, Parker K-9 Group
Carla Truitt
Be-Clean Cleaning Services, Inc.
Photo Gallery
CHICAGO, IL & WASHINGTON, D.C. – As part of Responsible Gaming Education Week, Rush Street Interactive, Inc. (NYSE: RSI) (“RSI” or the “Company”), a leading online casino and sports betting company in the United States, today became the newest partner of the American Gaming Association’s (AGA) Have A Game Plan.® Bet Responsibly.™ public service campaign.
The Have A Game Plan campaign focuses on educating sports fans about the core principles of responsible sports betting: setting a budget and sticking to it, keeping betting social, knowing the odds, and playing with trusted, regulated operators. Through its commitment to the campaign, RSI will integrate Have A Game Plan content into its consumer marketing, employee training, and overall responsible gaming strategy.
“Responsible gaming is at the core of our business and joining AGA’s Have A Game Plan campaign is an important extension of these efforts,” said Tammi Barlow, RSI director of corporate social responsibility. “It is crucial that our industry prioritizes the protection of those who are vulnerable to gambling problems and others affected by their behavior. Through this partnership with AGA, we will continue to provide our players with new, user-friendly tools and resources to wager responsibly, while ensuring our employees are positioned to provide the best possible customer service and care.”
RSI’s commitment to Have A Game Plan follows the Company’s recent build out of its compliance and corporate social responsibility function and ongoing deployment of innovative responsible gaming tools within its products, such as its RushPay feature that enables fast, transparent, and non-cancellable withdraw and refund capabilities.
“As legal sports betting increases in popularity and availability, the success of the industry relies heavily on educating players about responsible gaming,” said Casey Clark, AGA senior vice president. “We’re proud to have Rush Street Interactive join us in this important endeavor.”
As the market continues to expand, Have A Game Plan is aligning new and existing industry stakeholders behind a consistent responsible gaming message. RSI joins official campaign partners Monumental Sports and Entertainment, NASCAR, New York Jets, NHL, PGA TOUR, SeventySix Capital, Sinclair Broadcast Group, UFC, Vegas Golden Knights, and Washington Football Team, as well as other gaming operators and suppliers.
AGA’s Responsible Gaming Education Week, from September 19-25, educates consumers on responsible play and highlights responsible gaming’s central role in gaming and sports betting.
For more information, please visit HaveAGamePlan.org.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Global Payments Inc., a leading worldwide provider of payment technology and software solutions, is the newest partner of the American Gaming Association’s (AGA) Have A Game Plan.® Bet Responsibly.™ public service campaign.
The partnership, announced as part of Responsible Gaming Education Week (September 19-25, 2021), will include Global Payments incorporating Have A Game Plan into its social media channels and customer-facing marketing. The company will also communicate the importance of responsible gaming awareness through its extended weekly blog series.
“Global Payments is deeply committed to responsible gaming—and this is why we’re proud to join the Have A Game Plan initiative to promote responsible sports wagering,” said Global Payments President Christopher Justice. “Our success depends on continuing to build strong relationships with our customers that are rooted in education and responsibility.”
“With more Americans able to wager legally than ever before, the gaming industry is committed to making responsibility a key component of the legal sports betting market,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller. “Digital payments provide new tools for responsible gaming and through Global Payments’ partnership, their customers can have a fun, responsible, and seamless betting experience.”
AGA’s Have A Game Plan campaign promotes four core principles of responsible sports betting: set a budget and stick to it, keep betting social, know the odds, and play with trusted, regulated operators.
Sports betting is now legal in 32 states and the District of Columbia, with 27 jurisdictions already operational. More than 111 million American adults can now bet legally in their state.
AGA’s Responsible Gaming Education Week educates consumers on the importance of playing responsibly, highlighting responsible gaming’s central role in sports betting and the industry at large.
The AGA launched Have A Game Plan in late 2019 to educate sports fans on the principles of responsible sports betting. Global Payments joins campaign partners across the sports betting landscape, including DraftKings, FanDuel, Monumental Sports and Entertainment, NASCAR, the New York Jets, the NHL, the PGA TOUR, SeventySix Capital, Sightline Payments, Sinclair Broadcast Group, UFC, Vegas Golden Knights, and the Washington Football Team.
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WASHINGTON – The American Gaming Association (AGA) and the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) announced a new partnership to combat the unchecked spread of unregulated gaming machines throughout the United States. The ongoing campaign will focus on providing state and local policymakers, law enforcement, and regulatory agencies with new resources and tools to stop the proliferation of unregulated gaming machines.
Casino gaming is one of the most highly regulated industries in the U.S., with more than 4,000 state and tribal regulators dedicated to overseeing all forms of gaming, including electronic gaming machines. The recent growth of unregulated machines across the country raises a host of concerns which the organizations outlined in a fact sheet released today. Among them are the lack of testing, consumer protections, and responsible gaming measures, which underscore the need for states with gray market and illegal machines to make this a priority area of focus.
“Stamping out the illegal market that threatens the safety of consumers will always be one of the gaming industry’s highest priorities,” said Bill Miller, president and CEO of the American Gaming Association. “We are proud to work with the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers and our fellow industry partners to combat the spread of illegal machines. The AGA is encouraged that policymakers in some states such as Virginia have begun to recognize the dangers of these machines and have taken recent legislative action toward outlawing them. Unfortunately, other jurisdictions where these machines have become pervasive may believe their only recourse is to regulate and tax them. Rewarding bad behavior is not the answer, and we hope our education efforts will make it clear that the only real solution is to stop the spread of these devices.”
“The regulated gaming industry has rarely been more united on a singular issue and now we have a tool to address the misinformation and deception that unregulated machine companies use to confound law enforcement, the courts, and local citizens,” said Marcus Prater, executive director of the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers. “The spread of these machines represents a serious threat to the overall regulated market that has invested billions in infrastructure while also creating thousands of jobs and substantial tax benefits in the communities they serve. Moreover, unregulated machines prey on confused players who see slot machine symbols and think they’re getting a fair chance when they absolutely are not.”
More than 20 professional gaming organizations have joined the AGA and AGEM in opposition to the spread of unregulated gaming, including the National Indian Gaming Association, the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries, the International Center for Responsible Gaming, the National Council on Problem Gambling, multiple state casino and tribal associations, and both of the leading independent gaming equipment test labs. View the full list here.
About the AGA
The American Gaming Association (AGA) 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.
About AGEM
AGEM is a non-profit international technology trade association representing manufacturers and suppliers of electronic gaming devices, lotteries, systems, game content, table games, online technology, sports betting, key components and support products and services for the gaming industry. AGEM works to further the interests of gaming equipment suppliers throughout the world. Through political action, regulatory influence, trade show partnerships, educational alliances, information dissemination and good corporate citizenship, the members of AGEM work together to create benefits for every company within the organization. Together, AGEM has assisted regulatory agencies and participated in the legislative process to solve problems and create a business environment where AGEM members can prosper while providing a strong level of support to education and responsible gaming initiatives. For more information, visit www.AGEM.org.
WASHINGTON – Fans in legal sports betting states will see in-arena responsibility messaging due to the American Gaming Association’s (AGA) new public service campaign designed to educate fans and consumers about responsible sports betting practices.
The Have a Game Plan™, Bet Responsibly campaign is currently live in Capital One Arena in Washington, DC and T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV, with plans to launch in other sports betting markets soon. Through the campaign, the AGA is leading the gaming industry in responsible sports betting promotion, both in key markets and nationally. The effort also focuses on bolstering responsible gaming engagement from sports leagues, teams, and other new entrants into the sports betting ecosystem.
“This is a watershed moment for sports betting in the United States,” said Bill Miller, president and CEO of the American Gaming Association. “Roughly 100 million Americans will be able to legally wager on sports in their state by the end of this year. It’s more important than ever that the gaming industry, and our new partners in the sports betting ecosystem, are proactive in equipping patrons with the tools they need to engage in these offerings in a responsible manner.”
The campaign focuses on four responsible sports betting principles:
- Set a budget and stick to it.
- Keep it social: play with friends, family, and colleagues.
- Be informed: learn the details of the games you’re playing.
- Play with trusted licensed, regulated operators.
“By encouraging consumers to have a game plan when they wager, the industry is making good on its commitment to instill responsibility as a key tenant of every new legal sports betting market,” added Miller.
“When it comes to legal sports betting, nothing can be more important than responsibility,” said Jim Van Stone, president, business operations and chief commercial officer of Monumental Sports & Entertainment. “Monumental Sports is proud to support the AGA’s Have a Game Plan™ campaign in Capital One Arena and establish a high bar for responsibility, even before legal sports betting launches in Washington, DC.”
“The Golden Knights are pleased to work with the American Gaming Association to extend our state’s longstanding commitment to responsibility by encouraging all of our fans to Have a Game Plan™,” said Vegas Golden Knights President Kerry Bubolz. “Gaming should always be enjoyed responsibly. We look forward to working with the AGA on educating our fans and reinforcing this messaging during our home games at The Fortress.”
Background
- On the first anniversary of the invalidation of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) last May, the AGA and its members announced self-regulation of sports betting advertising.
- Fourteen states now offer legal, regulated sports betting, with six more states and the District of Columbia poised to open legal markets in the coming months.
- Americans have legally wagered more than $19 billion on sports nationwide since PASPA was overturned, generating $175 million in tax revenue to state and local governments.
- The AGA’s interactive sports betting map enables fans to stay up to date on where sports betting is legally available.
The campaign announcement coincides with Problem Gambling Awareness Month. The AGA and its members are committed to providing consumers with responsible gaming education and resources to help keep sports betting and other gaming activities a form of fun, adult entertainment.
Rush Street
“Rush Street Gaming has had a strong commitment to ESG principles since we started the Company. We have worked hard to create a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture where our team members are empowered to do their best work and be their best selves. We built the first LEED Gold certified casino in the world in 2011 and have continued to develop our projects with sustainability as an important objective. All our properties strive to be great local partners, and I’m proud of the positive impact we have had in each of the communities where we operate.” – Greg Carlin, CEO, Rush Street Gaming
“We believe that actively incorporating ESG considerations into our growth strategy and business decisions is critical to the long-term success of RSI and the gaming industry. RSI is committed to fostering and prioritizing an equitable, diverse, and responsible culture where employees are empowered to do their best work, customers can safely enjoy fun entertainment experiences, and our partners and the communities in which we operate continue to thrive.” – Richard Schwartz, CEO, Rush Street Interactive
Advancing Sustainability
Lowering Carbon Emissions
Rush Street Gaming has been a leader on advancing sustainability in the gaming industry.
Rush Street Gaming’s Des Plaines property was the first casino in the world to be LEED certified, designed with a sustainability plan to achieve LEED certification for energy, lighting, water and material use, as well as incorporating a variety of other sustainable elements.
The Company’s newest property in New York was built with an eye towards energy and environmental efficiencies and is also LEED certified. Rush Street Gaming plans to introduce sustainability requirements for suppliers and vendors.
Strengthening Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Strengthening Employee DEI
The Rush Street companies are committed to ensuring their workplace culture and supply chain reflect equitable practices with a top-down approach, offering a respectful and supportive workplace to attract and retain a diverse workforce representing the companies’ customers and communities. To recruit and retain a diverse workforce that is best in class, we build and sustain relationships with community outreach partners, practice culturally appropriate interviewing skills and brand Rush Street as a diverse employer of choice. Employee training on D&I is also a key feature of our efforts.
Engaging Diverse Suppliers and Vendors
Beyond this, the companies are committed to supplier diversity and are developing metrics to show their commitment to D&I. Rush Street strives for increases in minority and/or women-owned business enterprise (MWBE) vendors while also making strong efforts to use local vendors.
Investing in Communities
Delivering in Times of Crisis
With the onset of COVID-19, Rush Street Gaming created strategies to keep communities safe. The Company offered multiple vaccination clinics and partnered with charities to provide food for thousands of families during the pandemic. The Company continues to expand and adjust initiatives based on community needs and work diligently toward making these communities more inclusive and better places to live, work, and raise a family.
Expanding Education & Career Opportunities
The Rush Street companies have a particular focus on partnering with agencies and organizations that work alongside underrepresented young people to promote workforce and education programs, including career development and academic support services and accredited training in green construction, weatherization and healthcare, among others. These organizations educate and empower young people to recognize their social impact and exercise transformative influence in their communities.
Addressing Critical Community Needs
Investing in the vitality of the communities in which Rush Street operates, including flagship locations in Chicago, New Jersey, Colombia and Estonia, uplifts and encourages positive transformative change for businesses, nonprofits and individuals and families. Since beginning its philanthropic work, Rush Street Gaming has seen nonprofits expand services and outreach and build more affordable and safe housing, as well as an increase in employment opportunities.
Responsible Leadership
Protecting and Empowering Customers
The Rush Street companies’ position on operating responsibly is clear: all customers should enjoy games, have fun and be responsible. While many customers can gamble responsibly, a small portion of the population can develop serious gambling problems. To protect those who are vulnerable to gambling problems and others affected by their behavior, the companies have established internal and external policies and guidelines that address issues such as underage and problem gambling.
The companies take a multifaceted approach towards responsibility. Its responsible leadership efforts include responsible gaming consumer education programs, employee training to promote responsible gaming among patrons, responsible gaming training for new hires with annual follow-up and testing and implementing higher responsible gaming or marketing standards than regulations require.
Investing in Research and Partnering with Advocacy Groups
The companies support and partner with academic and advocacy groups to advance responsible gaming and awareness of problem gambling services and participate in Responsible Gaming Education Month. Rush Street is a partner in the AGA’s Have a Game Plan.® Bet Responsibly.™ public service campaign as well as members of the National Council on Problem Gambling.