Strengthening Responsible Gaming Together

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Each September, the American Gaming Association, our members and partners across the country come together to mark Responsible Gaming Education Month (RGEM), a moment to reaffirm one of our industry’s most core commitments: ensuring that every player has the tools, information and support they need to play responsibly.

RGEM isn’t just symbolic. It’s a spotlight on the real work happening year-round to promote responsibility, protect consumers and strengthen trust in legal, regulated gaming. And as our industry continues to grow and mature—across casino floors and online platforms—we’re evolving to meet the moment.

This September, we’re amplifying that commitment by showcasing two of our flagship consumer education campaigns—“Have a Game Plan. Bet Responsibly” and “Play Smart from the Start”—to reach players where they are with messages that resonate.

A Record of Progress, a Foundation for the Future

The progress we’ve made on responsibility is not just visible, it’s measurable. According to AGA’s latest American Attitudes Toward Gaming survey:

  • 76 percent of Americans believe the industry acts responsibly in the communities where we operate—a record high.
  • 66 percent of U.S. adults report seeing responsible gaming messaging in the past year, up from 56 percent in 2022.
  • 65 percent believe the gaming industry is committed to promoting responsible play and addressing problem gambling, up from 55 percent last year.

Trust in our commitment is even stronger among those who engage most with us: 88 percent of sports bettors and 81 percent of casino visitors agree that legal gaming operators are dedicated to responsibility. These gains are no accident—they reflect our collective investment in education, innovation and accountability across the legal gaming ecosystem.

Meeting Players Where They Are

At the heart of our efforts are two national campaigns designed to meet players where they are and empower them to make informed choices.

“Have A Game Plan. Bet Responsibly,” our sports betting public service campaign, shares five simple but powerful principles:

  • Set a budget.
  • Keep it social.
  • Know the odds.
  • Play legally.
  • Keep your cool; the result of a bet is never an occasion to harass a coach, player or official.

With more than 60 partners across the sports and gaming landscape, we’re reaching fans at every touchpoint, from stadium signage to mobile sportsbook ads.

As legal sports betting becomes increasingly woven into the fan experience, Have A Game Plan ensures responsibility is part of the conversation from the very beginning.

Similarly, our new Play Smart from the Start initiative is focused on using clear, accessible language to help players understand how games work, how to set limits, and where to seek help if needed. It’s built on a simple principle: Responsible gaming shouldn’t be complicated.

Together, these initiatives are pushing the industry forward through collaboration, transparency and modern tools.

Empowering the Frontlines

While campaigns provide vital education, the industry’s people are just as critical to its responsible gaming efforts. That’s why training remains a top priority. When employees are equipped with the right knowledge and resources, they can act with confidence and compassion to connect patrons with support.

But responsibility doesn’t stop on the casino floor. It also extends to company leadership, regulators, researchers and advocates. A healthy gaming ecosystem relies on all of us working in sync to foster a culture rooted in safety, fun and integrity.

The Value of the Legal Market

Importantly, none of this is possible without legal, regulated gaming. Unlike illegal gambling operations that offer no consumer safeguards, legal operators invest heavily in age verification, responsible gaming tools, financial transparency and data security. They also invest hundreds of millions of dollars annually in research, treatment, training and education efforts.

This is the value of the regulated marketplace. Responsibility is baked into every part of the experience.

Year-Round RG Commitment

Responsible Gaming Education Month is an opportunity to reflect, recommit and rally together as an industry. But our work doesn’t end when September does.

Responsibility is a year-round mission. Through education, innovation and collaboration, we’re building a stronger and more sustainable future for gaming in America.

To learn more about the AGA’s responsible gaming leadership or how you can get involved, visit https://americangaming.org/rg.