Fanatics Betting and Gaming, Hard Rock Digital, and PointsBet have recently joined forces with a coalition of leading online gaming operators to address the industry's growing need for responsible gaming practices. This collaboration signifies their commitment to ensuring a safer and more sustainable gaming environment for players across the United States.
As the industry continues to expand and evolve, the coalition's formation highlights the importance of prioritizing player welfare and developing comprehensive responsible gaming strategies, which will be further explored by establishing industry-led responsible gaming standards.
Coalition of Major Gaming Operators Unites for Responsible Gaming Standards
The coalition was formed in 2022 and, with the addition of Fanatics, HardRockDigital, and PointsBet, has grown to include 9 big-name gaming operators. It's a groundbreaking initiative that brings together some of the most prominent online gaming operators in the United States to establish industry-led responsible gaming standards.
The coalition's primary objective is to create a safer and more sustainable gaming environment for players by developing and implementing a set of 12 responsible gaming principles.
These 12 principles, which serve as a benchmark for the industry, cover a wide range of aspects related to responsible gaming, including:
- Preventing underage and excluded individuals from participating in any form of gaming.
- Providing customers with informed choices about gaming through easily understood, responsible gaming tools.
- Ensuring that marketing communications promote responsible gaming and do not target vulnerable individuals.
- Implementing solid and effective player protection measures, such as self-exclusion, deposit limits, and time-outs.
- Offering employee training programs to raise awareness and understanding of responsible gaming practices.
- Encouraging continuous improvement and monitoring of responsible gaming programs and initiatives.
- Collaborating with regulators, researchers, and other stakeholders to advance responsible gaming best practices.
- Supporting research initiatives and evidence-based approaches to responsible gaming.
- Promoting responsible gaming through public awareness campaigns and educational resources.
- Engaging with customers to understand their needs and expectations regarding responsible gaming.
- Upholding high standards of operational transparency and accountability.
- Implementing external review processes to ensure ongoing compliance and adherence to responsible gaming principles.
By adhering to these principles, the coalition members can ensure a safer gaming environment that prioritizes player welfare and minimizes potential risks.
Coalition Members Launch Comprehensive Responsible Gaming Initiative, Appoint Ambassadors, and Establish Nationwide Helpline
Coalition members have come together to promote responsible gaming practices, launching a range of innovative tools, appointing high-profile Responsible Gaming Ambassadors, and adopting a unified nationwide responsible gaming toll-free helpline. This commitment to responsible gaming is further strengthened by having a panel of experts externally review the coalition's principles, ensuring transparency and credibility.
The coalition has partnered with several organizations, including the National Council on Problem Gambling, to promote responsible gambling. Additionally, they've established research collaborations with leading institutions like the Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health, the Division on Addiction of the Harvard Medical School, and the ICGR Sports Wagering Research Fund.
Notably, the coalition has also received RGCheck accreditation from the Responsible Gambling Council, further solidifying its dedication to fostering a safe and sustainable gaming environment for all players.
Responsible Gaming Ambassadors such as Craig Carton and Amanda Serrano will use their influence to raise awareness, share personal stories, and serve as role models for responsible gaming behavior. Working closely with coalition members and other stakeholders, these ambassadors will actively participate in developing and supporting responsible gaming initiatives and campaigns.
Uniting Top Operators for a Safer Online Gaming Future
The formation of this coalition marks a significant step in the online gaming industry's commitment to promoting responsible gaming practices. By bringing together leading operators like Bally's, BetMGM, DraftKings, Entain, FanDuel, Fanatics, Hard Rock Digital, and PointsBet, the coalition exemplifies the power of collaboration in tackling problem gambling.
Through the diligent efforts of these industry leaders, the gaming community can expect to see a significant shift towards a safer and more sustainable gaming environment, benefiting players and stakeholders alike.
