As the online-gaming industry continues to expand, the Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA) is stepping up to lead the charge for a safer gaming environment. Comprising eight major players — FanDuel, DraftKings, Fanatics, BetMGM, Bet365, Bally’s, Hard Rock, and Penn — ROGA represents 85% of the online-gaming market and is dedicated to promoting responsible-gaming practices.
At the G2E panel discussion on Monday titled “Responsible Online Gaming: What’s Next?”, ROGA leaders outlined their vision for a more proactive approach to player safety. The conversation centered on collaboration and the shared responsibility of the industry to prioritize player protection as an essential part of the gaming experience.
Rich Taylor from BetMGM emphasized the importance of teamwork in addressing common challenges. “The teams that fare best are the teams that bring everyone who’s facing the same challenges together.” This spirit of collaboration is key to ROGA’s mission to create a positive impact for players and communities.
Jennifer Shatley noted that prevention is central to their initiatives. “These programs are designed for all players, not just for those with gambling problems.” The goal is to empower customers to make informed decisions and prevent issues before they arise.
Steve Ketteley pointed to the UK’s responsible-gaming strategies as a model for the U.S. “In the UK, we’ve learned that being proactive is far better than being reactive when it comes to responsible gaming.” His insights underlined the potential for the U.S. to adopt similar approaches to enhance player protection.
A key focus for ROGA is increasing player engagement with responsible-gaming tools. Research indicates that while setting limits is important, many players don’t use these resources. ROGA aims to identify barriers to engagement and encourage users to take full advantage of the tools available to them.
FanDuel has launched a free educational program in collaboration with Front Office Sports, making responsible- gaming training accessible to everyone. Alison Kutler, Head of Responsible Gaming and Community Impact at FanDuel, stated, “It’s good that we’re all trying to provide these resources; it’s not a competitive thing in any way.” She expressed encouragement in hearing about the initiatives from DraftKings and BetMGM to reaffirm responsible gaming in their spaces. “We’re all learning from each other, which is another advantage of being part of ROGA — a better forum where we can share information.”
One thing is clear: These direct competitors are united in their commitment to responsible gaming.
DraftKings has introduced a financial-literacy program for university students, aiming to empower young players with essential knowledge. Chrissy Thurmond, Head of Responsible Gaming Relations at DraftKings, shared details about a new tool called My Stat Sheet, emphasizing its educational potential. “With My Stat Sheet, we’re not just tracking behavior; we’re empowering players to take control of their gaming experience from the very start. It’s crucial that we reach them early in their journey.”
Meanwhile, BetMGM is committed to supporting veterans, ensuring they have access to the resources they need for responsible gaming.
With all powerhouse parties equally invested, ROGA’s commitment to collaboration and innovation is poised to transform responsible gaming. By fostering accountability and providing essential resources, ROGA enhances player safety and builds trust in the industry.
