Responsible Gambling Education Month takes place in September each year and along with it comes new responsible gambling endeavors by gambling operators. This is happening in Massachusetts as well as the rest of the country.
The goal of Responsible Gaming Education Month is to promote better education throughout the industry. To do so, the American Gaming Association is requesting help from four different groups — operators, players, lawmakers, and industry partners — to help spread the word.
Many Massachusetts sports betting operators have already announced plans for Responsible Gaming Education Month to assist.
Responsible Gambling Education Month is this September
The American Gaming Association outlined the goal of Responsible Gaming Education Month on its website:
“This September, join the American Gaming Association and our members as we highlight the industry’s responsible gaming education efforts. Together, we can promote gaming literacy and consumer education, elevate employee training, and work with partners to advance our understanding of responsible gambling.”
The American Gaming Association also provided Responsible Gaming Education Month toolkit, but it was more of an official request of assistance than anything. It asked for help from four different parties related to gaming: operators, players, lawmakers and industry partners.
Lawmakers are being asked to sign a proclamation recognizing Responsible Gambling Education Month. The toolkit also said regulators and lawmakers could instead use its communication channels to amplify Massachusetts responsible gambling resources and highlight efforts nationwide.
For players in Massachusetts and the rest of the country, the American Gaming Association is only asking for people who partake in gambling to promote responsible gaming messaging on social media.
Industry partners are also being called upon to stop promoting illegal gambling websites or entering into agreements with them. This is aimed at offshore operators such as Bovada. The American Gaming Association also requests industry partners to collaborate more with responsible gaming resources and feature responsible gaming messaging on its public channels.
The American Gaming Association is asking for the most expansive efforts from operators which includes:
- Place an op-ed in the local newspapers or through a media outlet.
- Reach out to local news to give a statement.
- Highlight its own responsible gaming efforts through different channels. Interview staff for a video, social media or blog post on how they prioritize responsible gambling practices.
- Add refresher training for employees at all levels to maintain education across the company.
Massachusetts sportsbooks announce plans for Responsible Gaming Education Month
Massachusetts sports betting operators have already begun supporting Responsible Gaming Education Month and boosting its reach through different paths.
Caesars Entertainment went the route of posting a press release that outlined its responsible gambling efforts while amplifying Responsible Gaming Education Month. The press release also included a statement from Caesars Entertainment Chief Executive Officer Tom Reeg.
“Responsible Gaming is at the heart of our business and it’s imperative that we provide the best resources for our guests to encourage safe play. Through the hard work of our Team Members over the last 35 years, we’ve innovated and invested to provide guests with various tools and education opportunities and championing industry change. We’re proud to be a leader in Responsible Gaming and look forward to expanding our programming as the gaming industry evolves.”
MGM Resorts and BetMGM went further and partnered directly with the American Gaming Association to promote Responsible Gaming Education Month. The partnership includes expanded responsible gambling marketing at NFL stadiums and further integration with GameSense to enhance responsible gaming.
BetMGM Chief Compliance Officer Rhea Loney said MGM is excited to set a new standard for responsible gambling.
“We’re excited to bring responsible gaming initiatives directly to fans in these NFL venues again this season. We are setting a new standard for safety and awareness in the industry. At BetMGM, we believe that protecting our players and promoting responsible play is essential to the future of sports betting.”
American Gaming Association Senior Vice President of Strategic Communications Joe Maloney backed up MGM’s claim and said it is one of the leaders in responsible gambling:
“Collaboration is integral to strengthening our collective responsibility efforts. Both in their work with the AGA and throughout the legal, regulated gaming industry, MGM Resorts and BetMGM continue to be leaders in forming innovative partnerships that are advancing responsible gaming in meaningful ways.”
FanDuel debuts RG project called Conversations About Betting
FanDuel Sportsbook announced a new project called, “Trusted Voices: Conversations About Betting,” which is being launched alongside Responsible Gaming Education Month. The program stems from a partnership between FanDuel, former NBA player Randy Livingston, and sports agent Anita Smith. Livingston, who is married to Smith, has dealt with problem gambling habits himself which is why Livingston and Smith wanted to partner with FanDuel.
Livingston is enthusiastic about using his experience to help others avoid the same problems.
“As legal sports betting continues to become more accessible, I knew I wanted to use my experience to help families engage in proactive and informed conversations about gambling. It became apparent to me and Anita that FanDuel shares our goal of helping parents navigate these tough, but important conversations.”
Smith’s goal is to help others overcome irresponsible gambling habits and have the tough conversations needed to improve:
“It is important to normalize conversations about gambling, and this program is intended to help families get comfortable with traditionally uncomfortable conversations. Randy and I are delighted to work with FanDuel to amplify the program’s content and drive positive outcomes for young people and anyone who may be struggling with problem gambling.”
