Six of the top iGaming operators, including BetMGM, FanDuel, Entertain, Bally’s Corp., MGM Resorts International and DraftKings, have announced the launch of a joint responsible gaming initiative, consisting of 12 principles that the companies hope will become industry standards in the future.
The announcement was made in conjunction with the American Gaming Association (AGA) designating September as Responsible Gaming Education Month.
According to a joint statement put forth by the companies, the 12 commitment stem from four “core attributes,” which are as follows:
- “We participate only in legal markets that provide consumer protections.
- We strive to instill responsible gaming culture throughout our respective businesses.
- All forms of online gaming should be a fun activity and enjoyed as a form of entertainment.”
- While the vast majority of individuals can enjoy online gaming in a responsible way, some individuals need additional tools and support related to their gaming activities.
Representatives from each company offered statements applauding the collaboration, as well as the importance of establishing such guidelines moving forward.
BetMGM’s Chief Legal Officer, Joshua Jessen said that “Responsible gaming is at the forefront of everything we do at BetMGM. 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.”
“These principles mark an important milestone, and I am delighted other leading operators have joined us in this commitment to responsible gaming in the rapidly growing U.S. markets, as responsibility sits at the heart of our business,” said Martin Lycka, senior vice president of responsible gaming and regulatory affairs at Entain. “It’s truly a first for this market and a significant step for addressing problem gaming on a consistent basis.”
Robeson Reeves, president of interactive for Bally’s Corp., commented, “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.”
“Essential to promoting safer play is a framework for operators to guide them in responsible gaming,” DraftKings’ Senior Director of Responsible Gaming Chrissy Thurmond said. “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.”
FanDuel’s Vice President of Responsible Gaming, Adam Warrington, added, “FanDuel is committed to collaborating and partnering with every participating operator, and our entire industry, on these 12 principles of responsible online gaming. Collectively, we have the privilege and opportunity to set the standard for what it means to be a responsible operator by leading from the front and collectively enabling our customers to enjoy our products, responsibly.”
Stephen Martino, senior vice president and chief compliance officer for MGM Resorts, added, “Responsibility has long been a core value at MGM Resorts and guides our leadership in the industry, and it’s vital for responsible gaming to be reflected in everything that bears the MGM name. 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. It’s the right thing to do for our customers, our industry and our businesses.”
The 12 principles that all companies have pledged to adhere to include the following:
- Active prevention of underage gaming and the exclusion of banned or self-excluded players;
- Providing patrons with information that is easily accessible and understood so that they can make “informed choices about their gaming.” This includes information about the games themselves as well as problem gaming resources;
- The adoption of and promotion of a centralized toll-free helpline for problem gaming;
- Complete adherence to advertising regulations and the prohibition of minors in marketing content;
- Providing players with self-exclusion tools and account limits;
- Respect and adherence to said tools, and the avoidance of trying to lure restricted players back to play;
- Encouraging players to set budgets and never suggesting that they play beyond their means, as well as refraining from suggesting that gaming is a pathway to financial gain;
- Encouraging players to set time and deposit limits and to always stick to them;
- Commitment to working with lawmakers, advocacy groups and other organizations to formulate and promote responsible gaming initiatives;
- Providing funding for problem gaming research;
- Providing employees with adequate training both upon hiring and periodically thereafter;
- Commitment to active monitoring and evaluation of each company’s own responsible gaming policies.
