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The marriage between the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the world of sports gambling is still in the honeymoon phase. And with the growth of this courtship comes a new chapter that promotes responsible gambling in the US.
On Jan. 25, 2023, the NBA announced its partnership with the American Gaming Association (AGA). “Have A Game Plan. Bet Responsibly” is the name of the public service campaign created in this partnership.
The campaign goal is to promote responsible gambling among fans
According to an AGA press release, Scott Kaufman-Ross, NBA Senior Vice President and Head of Gaming & New Business Ventures said:
“Responsible gaming is an integral component of the NBA’s approach to legal sports betting. Working with the AGA on this initiative is an important part of our multifaceted approach to this critical topic and will provide our teams with tools to make a true impact on responsible gaming education in NBA markets across the US and Canada.”
Among the campaign’s focal points are four key factors to gambling logically:
- Set a budget and stick to it
- Keep it social—sports betting is a form of entertainment for adults
- Know the odds
- Play with legal, regulated operators
To strengthen its mission, the NBA and AGA have a list of initiatives in place that include the following:
- Public service announcements airing during games
- Restrictions on sports betting advertisements
- A membership with the National Council on Problem Gambling
- An “opt-in” focus that provides distinct and dedicated platforms for bettors
- Up-to-the-minute sports betting news and analysis
The NBA isn’t the first organization to partner with AGA
Operating since 2019, the AGA’s public service campaign has already seen substantial growth with its partnerships. Its robust list of associates features several well-known companies:
| Bally’s Corporation | Gaming Society | New York Knicks | Rush Street Interactive |
| Barstool Sportsbook | Global Payments | New York Jets | SeventySix Capital |
| BetMGM | Major League Baseball | New York Rangers | Sightline Payments |
| betPARX | MGM Resorts International | NHL | Sinclair Broadcast Group |
| DraftKings | MSG Network | Nuvei | USFL |
| Delaware North | Monumental Sports and Entertainment | Parx Casino | Vegas Golden Knights |
| Entain | NASCAR | PENN Entertainment | VSiN |
| FanDuel | NESN | PGA Tour | Washington Commanders |
And now, the NBA joins the ranks. AGA Senior Vice President Casey Clark stated:
“As one of the world’s most popular leagues, the NBA will bring Have A Game Plan’s important message to a massive audience. It’s critical that the entire sports betting ecosystem is united in our commitment to responsible gaming, and we are grateful for the NBA’s leadership in these efforts.”
