US betting giants form new responsible gaming trade body
Founding members of Responsible Online Gaming Association pledge more than $20m to the group as DraftKings, FanDuel and others join forces
Several prominent US online sports betting and igaming operators have come together to launch the Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA).
The seven founding members of the trade body are BetMGM, bet365, DraftKings, Fanatics Betting and Gaming, FanDuel, Hard Rock Digital, and PENN Entertainment.
Together, the firms represent more than 85% of the legalized sports betting and igaming market in the US.
Notably, Caesars Entertainment has not joined the trade association.
The gaming giants have pledged more than $20m in support of ROGA’s mission in the first year.
Dr Jennifer Shatley, who has more than 25 years of experience in the gambling sector, will lead the new association.
She will assume the role of executive director and will help facilitate widespread education across the industry on responsible gambling.
This new group will create a new industry-wide best practices charter and undertake several initiatives overseen by Shatley.
These initiatives will include an independent data clearing house, an independent certification programme, and the promotion of responsible gambling practices.
The independent data clearing house will see ROGA create a database that will facilitate information sharing and promote industry-wide best practices.
The independent certification programme will assess members’ responsible gambling efforts and provide operators with an independent evaluation of the firm’s policies and procedures.
ROGA will advocate and fund independent research into gambling-related issues, such as the effectiveness of current responsible gambling methods.
Shatley said: “I am humbled, honored, and excited to be selected to lead ROGA during this important period of growth in legalised mobile gaming. Many of America’s largest legal mobile gaming operators will establish a framework that helps to aid in responsible gaming education and awareness.
“Together, our members will work alongside researchers, experts, regulators, and stakeholders to promote responsible online gaming and maximize our efforts to support additional responsible gaming education and awareness.
“By coming together with a clear set of objectives, ROGA and our members will work to enhance consumer protections and help provide easier and more efficient access to responsible gaming tools for consumers to enjoy the entertainment of online gaming,” she added.