The American Gaming Association Thursday announced an expansion of its Have a Game Plan. Bet Responsibly. public service campaign. Keep Your Cool will be the campaign’s fifth pillar, reinforcing responsible sports wagering by emphasizing athlete harassment is never appropriate.
“Responsible gaming efforts like Have a Game Plan and other proactive efforts by legal operators are resonating with consumers and making a difference,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller in a statement. “Keep Your Cool builds on this momentum by reminding bettors that a betting result – good or bad – is not an invitation to criticize a team, official, or athlete.”
The announcement comes in the wake of data highlighting the growing effectiveness of responsible gaming programs across the country. According to AGA research, 66% of Americans believe the gaming industry’s responsible gaming initiatives are effective, up from 59% in 2023. Per active participants in gaming, 79% of physical casino players and 85% of sports bettors agree these programs are working, including 73% of young bettors aged 18-24.
Since its launch in 2019, Have a Game Plan. Bet Responsibly. has educated bettors through four pillars:
- Set a Budget: Establish and stick to a financial limit.
- Keep It Social: Bet responsibly as part of a shared activity.
- Know the Odds: Know the terminology and understand risks before placing bets.
- Play Legally: Use regulated, legal betting platforms.
The new “Keep Your Cool” pillar complements these principles by promoting sportsmanship and emphasizing the social aspects of sports betting:
- Respect the Game: Winning and losing are part of sports betting, nobody is perfect; the result of a bet should not prompt negative actions – in person or online – towards athletes and officials.
- Stay Focused on Having Fun: Sports betting is entertainment.
NASCAR, an early supporter of Have a Game Plan according to the AGA, emphasized the importance of Keep Your Cool.
“At NASCAR, we believe responsible gaming enhances the overall fan experience,” said NASCAR Managing Director of Sports Betting Joe Solosky. “Keep Your Cool reflects our shared commitment to encouraging fans to bet responsibly while maintaining a respectful approach to the sport they love.”
