Online gaming operators in the United States have come together to agree on the first industry-led responsible gaming standards with a 12-point pledge that commits to principles of safe iGaming, recommended as the principles for an industry benchmark.

The announcement comes in time for this month’s designation as Responsible Gaming Education Month, created by the American Gaming Association. The collaboration includes companies such as Bally’s Corporation, BetMGM, DraftKings, Entain, FanDuel, and MGM Resorts International.

Joshua Jessen, Chief Legal Officer at BetMGM, said: “While we operate in a highly competitive industry, we are proud to stand together with our colleagues to adopt these important principles. Creating a consistent standard of responsible gaming measures across the board greatly strengthens our collective commitment to our customers, employees, and the communities where we operate.”

The 12 principles are derived from four core attributes, which include participating only in legal markets that provide consumer protection; installing responsible gaming culture throughout their businesses; and considering online gambling as a source of entertainment while supporting individuals that need additional tools and support.

The companies have committed to taking active steps to prevent underage and excluded individuals from participating in any form of gaming, as well as providing customers with informed choices about gaming through easily understood responsible gaming tools.  

Robeson Reeves, president of Interactive at Bally’s Corporation, said: “Bally’s is proud to partner with all of the participating operators. We are committed to the 12-point pledge and it’s Bally’s and the industry’s responsibility to prevent underage gaming and provide education and safeguards.”

The principles include as well the adoption and effective promotion of a unified nationwide responsible gaming toll-free helpline, and socially responsible advertising which avoids imagery that might entice minors in its marketing content. 

Other provisions call for a “shared responsibility approach” to addressing problem gaming, and a commitment to “working with policymakers, academic experts and researchers, problem gaming treatment organizations, advocacy groups and partners,” as well as customers to promote responsible gaming.

This collaboration also commits to employee training and continuously monitoring operators’ respective responsible gaming programs and initiatives to ensure their compliance with applicable standards. 

DraftKings’ Senior Director of Responsible Gaming Chrissy Thurmond noted: “DraftKings is pleased to be a part of this landmark effort that has culminated in the adoption of 12 responsible gaming principles across the participating operators – and that will benefit consumers around the United States.”

Martin Lycka, Entain’s Senior Vice-president for American Regulatory Affairs and Responsible Gambling, commended the collaborators for recognizing a national need and committing their respective organizations to action. “These principles mark an important milestone, and I am delighted other leading operators have joined us in this commitment to responsible gaming,” he noted.

FanDuel’s Adam Warrington, Vice President, Responsible Gaming, added that “FanDuel is committed to collaborating and partnering with every participating operator, and our entire industry, on these 12 principles of responsible online gaming;” while Stephen Martino, Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer, MGM Resorts, said that “having the industry come together with a unified approach and standards puts the best interests of our guests, customers, and their families at the forefront.”

Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2022/09/23/64363-us-online-operators-join-forces-to-create-first-industryled-responsible-gaming-standards

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