Seven of the largest US sports betting and internet gaming operators announced Wednesday a coalition to promote responsible gaming.
The Responsible Online Gaming Association will conduct responsible gaming research, promote best practices in sports betting and iGaming, and attempt to drive education in the space, according to a press release. It is comprised of operators representing 85% of the US online gaming market:
- BetMGM
- Bet365
- DraftKings
- Fanatics
- FanDuel
- Hard Rock Digital
- PENN Entertainment (ESPN Bet)
Collectively, they committed $20 million in 2024 to help support the ROGA’s mission and agreed to share with each other customers that have been excluded from their platforms because of problem gambling.
Former Caesars exec heads responsible gaming group
Dr. Jennifer Shatley will spearhead those efforts as the ROGA’s executive director.
She served as Caesars Entertainment’s vice president of responsible gaming policies and compliance for 13 years before stops with the UNLV International Center for Gaming Regulation, Responsible Gambling Council in Canada, and most recently, Logan Avenue Consulting.
“I’m incredibly excited to move this forward and to really do some impactful things and to really expand the knowledge through the research and to create these evidence-based best practices and to really empower players with information,” Shatley said.
RG data clearinghouse, rating system planned
The ROGA “independent data clearinghouse” to facilitate an industry-wide information-sharing customer protection mechanism, though further details are not provided.
The group also plans to create an independent certification process to rate members’ responsible gaming efforts, policies and procedures.
Millions of problem gamblers in the US
The National Council on Problem Gambling estimates that 2 million American adults qualify as “severe” problem gamblers. It estimates another 5 million to 8 million are more “moderate” problem gamblers.
US Rep. Paul Tonko is pushing a bill that would place severe restrictions on gambling ads, limit how frequently Americans bet and put guardrails on AI-powered customer acquisition tools.
Over the past few days, betting scandals have struck the NBA and MLB, whose highest-paid player is accusing his interpreter of stealing funds to cover gambling losses with an illegal bookie. Meanwhile, the NCAA continues to deal with betting scandals and is calling for a national ban on college player props.
