As we enter the new year with all of the exciting opportunities it brings for the casino-entertainment sector, one thing is overwhelmingly clear: responsible gaming will be the gaming industry’s No. 1 priority in 2019.
The past year was one of great progress for responsible gaming. Last year, we launched the Responsible Gaming Collaborative, comprised of renowned thought leaders, stakeholders and academics focused on identifying the programs and policies that best address responsible gaming. The collaborative will continue to lead the charge against problem gaming and to hold the government accountable for supporting proven, effective solutions throughout this new year.
At the American Gaming Association, we have always taken our duty to promote responsible gaming seriously. When the Supreme Court struck down the federal ban on sports betting last May, we recognized more people than ever could soon enjoy expanded legal gaming opportunities. As such, we are making it a priority to ensure that everyone—seasoned participants and new bettors alike—is aware of how to bet responsibly.
In fact, one of AGA’s top priorities for all sports betting legislation is to promote responsible gaming and responsible advertising. To ensure responsible gaming is a key tenet of the expanding sports betting market, AGA updated its Code of Conduct for Responsible Gaming to include wagers on sports, as well as new advertising provisions to ensure casino and sports betting marketing is targeted to an age-appropriate demographic with tasteful content and reasonable frequency.
As state legislatures come back into session and begin exploring creating legal sports betting markets in their jurisdictions, this updated code will serve as a model for all states and sovereign tribal nations looking to incorporate responsible gaming provisions in their legislation.
There’s so much opportunity for gaming in America right now, particularly as we enter this brand-new year. That’s exactly why the AGA, state gaming commissions across the country and the gaming industry’s Responsible Gaming Collaborative are all working together to promote safe, responsible gaming, serving as resources for all Americans who choose to enjoy this mainstream form of entertainment.
In 2019 and beyond, we are committed to continuing the industry’s great progress in making responsible gaming truly our No. 1 priority.
