Gaming Education Month CoverageIf you’re reading this, you’re likely aware that September is the American Gaming Association’s Responsible Gaming Education Month (RGEM). Previously a week-long event, the extension to a full month reflects the growth of responsible gaming (RG) in the U.S. as well as globally.
Over 20 years in RG on the side of gaming equipment manufacturers has been a remarkable journey for me. As a former government relations executive, this was not a role I would have chosen, but destiny intervened and am now deeply grateful to have had the experience.
Some who read this may know me, but for those who do not, my journey in RG began as director of RG with International Game Technology (IGT), which then expanded by overseeing RG for the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) .
AGEM includes not only IGT but most of the major game manufacturers and suppliers from 22 countries. My role extended to global markets that typically are more aggressive with RG policies. I have served and continue to serve on the boards and committees of numerous Responsible/Problem gambling (RG/PG) organizations and have been a speaker at more conferences than I can now recall, including the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) Conference, which I share here as an indicator of growth in the RG sector.
The National Conference on Gambling Addiction and Responsible Gambling took place in Washington, D.C. this past July. This is by far the largest PG conference in North America. As one of the “elders” of this tribe I marveled at the growth in attendance and the dramatic changes in program subject matter.
The first NCPG Conference I attended was in Las Vegas over 20 years ago with about 50 attendees. Involvement by the gambling industry was practically non-existent and the program was dominated by PG advocacy groups, treatment providers and researchers amplified by a couple of heartbreaking talks from those whose lives had been destroyed by gambling addiction. In times past I knew almost everyone present.
At this conference, which drew over 600 attendees, I was lucky to know 15-20 people. It was gratifying to observe so many young enthusiastic participants bringing fresh perspectives to this aspect of mental health. Perhaps even more impactful was seeing the dramatic increase of involvement by the gaming industry, which now encompasses online gaming and gambling interests as well as sports leagues.
Yet with all the advancements in RG and PG, most people don’t know the difference between the two. This is often most evident among policy makers who make critical decisions regarding not only funding for PG but the key elements to ensure success of RG/PG programs once funding has been set aside.
The need for RG/PG education with events such as RGEM today has many different facets. Internally, gambling companies are now extending RG to all departments with greater involvement by senior management, and more CEOs are making that important top-down commitment. Barriers between the PG community and the gambling industry are finally disappearing.
Researchers and treatment providers are working more closely with industry to gain understanding and develop more effective player protections within the games. I continue to be amazed by the range of RG technologies (often referred to as “RG features or tools”) that are being developed by AGEM companies as well as third-party technology providers.
Externally I believe RG/PG education must now extend to the many gambling industry subcontractors and affiliates that provide services such as marketing and promotions. As mentioned above, perhaps the most critical need for RG/PG enlightenment is with legislators, regulators and department heads who interface with lawmakers on proposed RG/PG legislation.
Expanding further is the need for public education and awareness utilizing social media and online channels. Public pressure fueled by negative media often drives policy. One of the most impactful RG/PG television ads that I saw last year was done by the Manning brothers for Caesars Sportsbook during the Super Bowl. Sports celebrities command audience attention!
Building on the need for public awareness is a growing interest for integration of RG/PG awareness into school programs. One U.S. jurisdiction is considering including risks related to gaming & gambling with alcohol and drug abuse education.
Outside the U.S. is YGAM (the Young Gamers & Gamblers Education Trust). Established in the U.K. in 2014, YGAM is an award-winning charity working to prevent children and young people from experiencing gaming and gambling harms through awareness raising, education and research. Through a portfolio of evidence-based programs, they develop and deliver training and resources for a range of groups who have influence over children and young people. AGEM is now a supporter of this important organization.
The ICRG (International Center for Responsible Gaming) is the premier leader in RG/PG research in America. Daron Dorsey, AGEM executive director, serves on the governing board of the ICRG.
RGEM leads up to the 24th ICRG annual conference that will be held prior to and in conjunction with G2E, October 8-12, 2023. This year’s science-based forum will feature the latest research on gambling disorder and RG by bringing current issues to the forefront with sessions such as, “Gamblers of the Future? Migration from Video Games to Gambling Among Young Adults.” In this session Dr. Luke Clark will report on his longitudinal research that traced the migration from video games to gambling.
It has been said that “perception is reality.” It’s no secret that gambling has long had an image problem which could be amplified with the rapid expansion of legalized online sports betting and casino gambling. I believe RG messaging should be included in all gambling promotions as well as stand-alone ads, such as that with the Mannings which I referenced above.
The theme for the second week of RGEM focuses on illegal and unregulated gambling. Research indicates that most people don’t know if they’re playing on a safe regulated site or an illegal site. In November, the American Gaming Association (AGA) released a report that said, “illegal gambling is estimated to be a $511 billion-per-year market. That takes $13.3 billion in tax revenue from state treasuries and $44.2 billion in revenue away from legal operators.”
In addition to lost revenue, these illegal sites lack any type of player protections. The AGA has been engaging with various levels of policymakers and law enforcement on the need to combat these bad actors.
Looking into my crystal ball, I find it difficult to imagine what gaming/gambling will look like in the future, but I’m certain that it will continue to expand online. Can RG keep up with the pace of expansion? Outside the U.S. I’m seeing artificial intelligence (AI) being utilized more frequently as an RG tool to track play behavior for signs of risky behavior.
I’m also noting more limits on bets & prizes as well as bans on gambling ads and must ask, “will excessive RG restrictions be a case of noble intentions, unintended consequences by driving players to unregulated, unprotected sites?” Time will tell…
