AGA Study Reveals 2023 Responsible Gambling Spending Broke Record

As Problem Gambling Education Month closes, the American Gaming Association (AGA) has released the results of a study that shows gaming industry participants are spending more money than ever on responsible gaming messaging.

Based on survey responses from earlier this year and industry fiscal information, the AGA concluded that the industry invested $471.8 million in responsible gaming in 2023.

Key takeaways

• Industry participants invested $471.8 million in responsible gaming in 2023, according to research from the AGA.
• The spending was broken down into five categories, with investment in customer service interactions leading the way.
• September is Problem Gambling Education Month.

Responsible gaming investment up 72% over past seven years

The AGA’s study noted that 2023’s investment in responsible gaming was nearly $200 million higher than it was in 2017, marking a 72% increase. The bigger spend couldn’t come at a better time, as sports betting and online casino handles and revenue have exploded over the past few years.

The AGA surveyed industry participants, asking about spending in key areas, including customer service interactions ($135.4 million), development and maintenance of responsible gaming programs ($122.4 million), and consumer-facing responsible gaming education ($107.7 million).

Combined, those three areas of responsible gaming investment accounted for more than 75% of the industry’s overall investment.

In a press release about the study results, AGA Senior Vice President of Strategic Communications Joe Maloney said the spend reflects the industry’s commitment to safe gambling:

Gamblers find certain games more addicting than others

As gaming has grown exponentially in the U.S. over the past six years, it’s become increasingly difficult for problem gamblers to avoid placing a bet. Mobile sports betting and online casinos have made access to games easier than ever.

Additionally, research has found that certain types of games tend to lead to addictions more than other games. PlayUSA reporter Katarina Vojvodic spoke with several problem gambling experts earlier this month, finding that games with high bet capability and high speeds of play are dangerous for people who are at risk for gambling problems.

Additionally, Elliott Rapaport, founder of gambling-focused behavioral health company Birches Health said the number of online sports bettors seeking help has increased.

“But sports betting is not the only relatively new form of online gaming that brings gambling options to consumers’ fingertips — from the comfort of home — like never before,” Rapaport said.

iGaming (online casino gaming) has also contributed to bringing more gamblers online. Revenue has skyrocketed over the past few years. For example, Pennsylvania online casinos pulled in $12.3 million in total revenue in December 2019. By December 2023, that number had shot up to $204.2 million.

Where to turn for help

If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling addiction or might be in the early stages of problem gambling, there are several resources you can use.

The AGA’s Make a Plan campaign provides the basics of how to wager on sports responsibly. The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) offers problem gambling support through calls (1-800-GAMBLER), text (800GAM) or chat. The NCPG also provides a problem gambling self-assessment you can take to gauge your gambling habits.