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The PGA Tour is collaborating with the Coalition for Responsible Sports Betting Advertising ahead of Gambling Awareness Month in March to foster responsible gambling.
Scott Warfield, PGA TOUR vice president of gaming, emphasized in a news release the urgent need for safe gambling initiatives in the United States due to the rapid expansion of sports betting. He stated that the TOUR is committed to addressing the issues with problem gambling by collaborating with others in the industry.
“With the proliferation of sports betting in the United States, the PGA Tour remains committed to establishing a safe and healthy marketplace for consumers. The tour is proud to stand alongside its fellow sports leagues and network partners on the coalition, as well as with our colleagues at NCPG, in our continued mission to educate fans on the merits of gambling responsibly and the resources available to address problem gambling issues.”
The coalition aims to curb the cons surrounding sports betting ads
The coalition is relatively new, having come together early last year. Comprising of media operators and professional sports leagues such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, it was formed out of a shared sense of responsibility.
Their formation stemmed from a need to direct sports betting advertising solely to appropriate audiences to address problem gambling. The coalition said in a joint statement:
“As the legalization of sports betting spreads nationwide, we feel it is critical to establish guardrails around how sports betting should be advertised to consumers across the United States. Each member of the coalition feels a responsibility to ensure sports betting advertising is not only targeted to an appropriate audience but also that the message is thoughtfully crafted and carefully delivered.”
Upon the formation of the coalition, all members reached a consensus on six principles to guide their advertising practices in sports betting:
- All advertising must be targeted exclusively at individuals of legal betting age.
- No promotion of excessive or irresponsible gambling is permitted.
- Sports betting advertisements must be truthful and not misleading.
- All sports betting ads should adhere to standards of good taste.
- Publishers are responsible for conducting internal reviews of advertisements.
- Publishers must address and review customer complaints regarding advertisements.
PGA Tour renews its position with the National Council on Problem Gambling
Following its collaboration with the coalition on Tuesday, the tour also disclosed that it has extended its partnership with the Leadership Circle of the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG).
By maintaining its membership in NCPG’s Leadership Circle, the PGA Tour reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the national organization dedicated to reducing the financial and societal impacts of gambling addiction.
As part of its initiative, the tour will launch a comprehensive cross-platform marketing campaign in March to coincide with Problem Gambling Awareness Month. This campaign will use various channels and media platforms to raise awareness about problem gambling and promote responsible gambling practices.
“The PGA Tour’s continuous investment in responsible gambling and problem gambling education initiatives exemplifies its leadership in navigating the evolving landscape of legalized sports betting with integrity and responsibility,” said Keith Whyte, executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling.
