Putting Responsible Gaming Front and Center: A Look at the Evolution in the US Gambling Sector
Discussion at our platform: Effectiveness of Responsible Gaming Measures – Insights from Industry Experts
Responsible gaming initiatives are no longer just buzzwords in the US gambling industry. From the American Gaming Association's Have a Game Plan. Bet Responsibly, to MGM Resort's GameSense and FanDuel's My Spend RG program, a massive investment is being poured into this area. But is the investment sufficient? Are these programs truly making a difference, and are the right people taking notice?
"I believe we're never quite where we should be," says Jennifer Shatley, executive director of the Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA), during a candid discussion with our site on responsible gaming. "We constantly need to evolve and expand our efforts."
Shatley, a veteran of 25 years in the field of responsible gaming, says that she has witnessed remarkable progress in a short span, with these advances happening more rapidly than ever before. The pace of innovation, the adoption of technology, growing operator understanding, and an expanding evidence base are all driving these advancements.
ROGA, an esteemed association with members such as Bally's, BetMGM, Bet365, DraftKings, Fanatics, and FanDuel, among others, has pledged $20 million towards "promoting responsible online gaming by supporting independent research, promoting best practices, and driving consumer and industry education and awareness efforts" (ROGA Mission Statement).
Alan Feldman, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas' Director of Strategic Initiatives, International Gaming Institute, and an American Gaming Association Hall of Fame Member, notes that there have been substantial leaps in the technology that governs responsible gaming programs. Yet, given the various types of gaming - commercial, tribal, and online - there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
"But broadly speaking, we're witnessing more companies talking about responsible gaming, investing in responsible gaming initiatives, and hiring dedicated staff to oversee these efforts," Feldman remarks. "I think there is a growing awareness of the importance of responsible gaming and the compliance programs in place. It's all about how players feel, and whether they are finding the safeguards they need."
Brianne Doura-Schawohl, founder of Doura-Schawohl Consulting and a member of the Board of Trustees for the Kindbridge Research Institute, welcomes the increased attention on responsible gaming initiatives.
"I do believe the industry is embracing these initiatives more. However, a crucial cohort still needs to understand their responsibilities. That’s the role of regulators, who are still learning the ropes in terms of enforcing regulations and mitigating potential gambling harm," Doura-Schawohl notes.
The main challenge with responsible gaming programs, according to Shatley, is that they often go overlooked because many players mistakenly believe they are designed exclusively for individuals struggling with gambling addiction.
"From an industry perspective, what we really need to focus on is making these programs more appealing and more relevant for players because we know they're effective. We need to boost player engagement with these programs and with these tools to change the prevailing mindset among gamblers, as responsible gaming programs are intended for every player."
Doura-Schawohl adds that conversations regarding problem gambling should ideally begin with children, as some of the mechanics that make video games so appealing may also contribute to developing gambling issues later in life.
"When your children reach an age where they have independence and are active in gaming, it's crucial to have discussions about responsibility and digital health. Talking about gaming addictions among American youth today is both timely and vital. introducing healthy online engagement from 3rd or 4th grade seems appropriate, as long as the information provided is age-appropriate," Doura-Schawohl advises.
In a similar vein, Feldman expresses that parents should be included in discussing responsible gaming matters because they often act as a gateway for children's entry into gambling. Feldman emphasizes that gambling should be viewed as a behavior with risks.
"In the United States, we tend to view risk differently in various contexts. For instance, in youth athletics, parents often encourage their children to take risks without adequately discussing possible downsides. We must have ongoing conversations about such aspects, leading to in-depth discussions about randomness, probability, and risk from a young age," Feldman concludes.
"With the investment pouring into responsible gaming initiatives, it's essential for companies to make these programs more appealing and relevant for players, as they're effective and not just for individuals struggling with gambling addiction," says Jennifer Shatley, executive director of the Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA).
"Moreover, it's crucial to educate children about responsible gaming and the risks associated with gambling, as some of the mechanics that make video games appealing may contribute to developing gambling issues later in life," Brianne Doura-Schawohl, founder of Doura-Schawohl Consulting, remarks.
