US operators launch first industry-led responsible gaming standards

This significant step for the market will address problem gaming on a consistent basis

A coalition of significant US online sports betting firms has released “industry-led” guidelines for responsible gaming, a first for the still-emerging industry that is dealing with worries that the spread of legal betting could fuel gambling addiction.

This announcement is timed to the American Gaming Association’s declaration of this month as Responsible Gaming Education Month. Bally’s Corporation, BetMGM, DraftKings, Entain, FanDuel, and MGM Resorts International are all involved in this partnership.

The commitment to actively prevent minors and excluded individuals from engaging in gaming is one of the 12 principles included in the appendix. Operators agree to offer customers tools for responsible gaming that are simple to use so they can make educated decisions about their gaming, and all parties agree to perform ongoing research to gauge the success of this partnership.

These 12 guiding concepts are developed from four essential qualities:

– We participate only in legal markets that provide consumer protection.
– We strive to instill responsible gaming culture throughout our respective businesses.
– All forms of online gaming should be a fun activity and enjoyed as a form of entertainment.
– While the vast majority of individuals can enjoy online gaming in a responsible way, some individuals need additional tools and support related to their gaming activities.

Martin Lycka, Senior Vice-President for American Regulatory Affairs and Responsible Gambling at Entain, praised the firms for identifying a national need and committing their respective organisations to action, stating “These principles mark an important milestone, and I am delighted other leading operators have joined us in this commitment to responsible gaming in the rapidly growing U.S. markets, as responsibility sits at the heart of our business. It’s truly a first for this market and a significant step for addressing problem gaming on a consistent basis.”

The guidelines also call for the creation and successful promotion of a single, national, toll-free hotline for responsible gaming as well as socially responsible advertising that steers clear of any imagery that might appeal to children in its marketing materials.

Other clauses require a shared responsibility approach to addressing problem gaming and a commitment to working with policymakers, academic experts and researchers, problem gaming treatment organisations, advocacy groups and partners as well as users, so as to promote responsible gaming and address problem gaming.

In order to ensure that operators’ responsible gaming efforts and programs adhere to regulatory criteria, the cooperation also makes a commitment to employee training.

THE 300 SPARTANS:

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Read more about the 300 Spartans here.