Six US online gaming operators launch responsible gaming principles

Bally’s Corporation, BetMGM, DraftKings, Entain, FanDuel, and MGM Resorts International have agreed to a set of responsible gaming standards for the US market.

US.- The largest online gaming operators in the US have agreed to a set of industry-led responsible gaming standards. Bally’s Corporation, BetMGM, DraftKings, Entain, FanDuel, and MGM Resorts International have made a 12-point pledge with principles that they’re recommending as industry benchmarks.

These principles are derived from four core attributes: only operating within legal markets that provide consumer protections; instilling responsible gaming culture throughout the business; ensuring all online gaming is fun and enjoyed as a form of entertainment; understanding that some players may need additional tools and support for their gaming activities.

The agreement includes a commitment to take active steps to prevent underage and excluded individuals from participating in any form of gaming. Operators have also committed to providing customers with informed choices about gaming through easily understood responsible gaming tools. All participants will conduct ongoing research to track the impact of the collaboration.

The principles also include the adoption and promotion of a nationwide toll-free responsible gaming helpline and socially responsible advertising which avoids imagery that might entice minors.

Other provisions call for “a shared responsibility approach to addressing problem gaming” and a commitment to working with policy makers, academic experts and researchers, problem gaming treatment organisations, advocacy groups, partners and customers to promote responsible gaming and address problem gaming.

The agreement also involves employee training and a pledge to continuously monitor operators’ respective responsible gaming programs and initiatives to ensure their compliance with applicable standards.

The announcement coincides with September’s designation as Responsible Gaming Education Month by the American Gaming Association.

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“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,” said Robeson Reeves, president of Interactive at Bally’s Corporation.

Joshua Jessen, chief legal officer at BetMGM, added: “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. We look forward to building on our work into the future.”

According to DraftKings’ senior director of Responsible Gaming Chrissy Thurmond: “Essential to promoting safer play is a framework for operators to guide them in responsible gaming. 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 organisations to action. “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. It’s truly a first for this market and a significant step for addressing problem gaming on a consistent basis.”

He added, “We have the research, the data, the partners—all the tools to establish an effective nation-wide code of responsible gaming principles. And we hope our industry and state regulators will join us in advancing these principles,” he said.  “Our patrons deserve it.”

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FanDuel’s Adam Warrington, vice president, Responsible Gaming, 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, MGM Resorts, said, “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.”