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Seven of the largest US online gambling operators have teamed up to form a trade group to promote responsible gambling.
The following gambling operators joined forces to launch the Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA):
- BetMGM
- bet365
- DraftKings
- Fanatics Betting and Gaming
- FanDuel
- Hard Rock Digital
- PENN Entertainment
For the first time, the operators will share information about players who are excluded because of problem gambling.
Richard Taylor, director of responsible gambling at BetMGM, told PlayUSA:
“It is imperative for every operator to take RG seriously. BetMGM is proud to be a founding member of ROGA and to work with other operators as we continue to foster responsible gambling within the industry. ROGA’s focus on investing in critical research, education and awareness, the sharing of best practices and information, and an independent certification program, will help all of us achieve the goal of ensuring the sustainability of online gambling in North America. This partnership underscores BetMGM’s commitment to prioritizing the well-being of its players.”
Initial member companies represent more than 85% of the legalized US online casino and sports betting markets. They have pledged more than $20 million in support of ROGA’s mission in year one.
An iGaming veteran and a prominent responsible gambling expert to lead ROGA
Dr. Jennifer Shatley will lead the group. She will serve as ROGA’s full-time executive director, providing widespread responsible gaming education to all relevant parties. Shatley has worked for more than 25 years in the gambling industry.
Shatley said in the ROGA news release1:
“I am humbled, honored, and excited to be selected to lead ROGA during this important period of growth in legalized mobile gaming. Many of America’s largest legal mobile gaming operators will be establishing a framework that helps to aid in responsible gaming education and awareness.
Together, our members will work alongside researchers, experts, regulators and stakeholders to promote responsible online gaming and maximize our efforts to support additional responsible gaming education and awareness. By coming together with a clear set of objectives, ROGA and our members will work to enhance consumer protections and help provide easier and more efficient access to responsible gaming tools for consumers to enjoy the entertainment of online gaming.”
Shatley is the president of the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling and is a National Council on Problem Gambling member. She also co-chairs the Compliance Review Board for the American Gaming Association’s (AGA) Responsible Marketing Code for Sports Wagering.
Under Shatley’s direction, ROGA members will work together on a series of initiatives, including:
- Research
- Consumer and industry-responsible gaming education and awareness
- Promoting responsible gambling best practices
- Creation of an independent data clearinghouse
- Independent certification program
Problem gambling rises with expansion of legal US online gambling
Legal sports betting is currently allowed in thirty-eight US states and Washington, DC, while seven states allow online casinos.
This year, a record number of Americans placed bets on the Super Bowl LVIII. During that weekend, GeoComply said2 it saw 8.5 million active accounts across states where online sports betting is legal. This represents a 15% increase over last year’s Super Bowl.
According to ESPN’s report3 on AGA’s recent research, the NCAA tournaments could attract nearly $2.7 billion in legal bets during this year’s tournaments. If so, that would be twice as much as is anticipated to have been wagered during the 2024 Super Bowl.
Held every March, Problem Gambling Awareness Month is an annual campaign that aims to increase public awareness of problem gambling and promote prevention, treatment and recovery services.
The ROGA launch is one of many examples showing gambling companies’ initiative to provide effective solutions for individuals who struggle with gambling.
Although notably absent from the ROGA members list, Caesars focuses on prohibiting players under 21 from signing up for an account. Players under 21 cannot open a Caesars rewards account, even in states like Rhode Island or Kentucky, where the minimum age requirement is 18.
