G2E: ROGA Forecasts Greater Responsible Gambling Controls

Article by : Erik Gibbs Oct 9, 2024

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As the online gaming industry continues to expand, a new initiative is emerging to ensure player safety and foster a culture of responsibility within the gaming community. The Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA), comprising eight of the largest players in the industry, is leading the charge. 

Together, FanDuel, DraftKings, Fanatics, BetMGM, Bet365, Bally’s, Hard Rock, and Penn represent a staggering 85% of the online gaming market. Their shared mission: to prioritize responsible gaming (RG) practices, while simultaneously growing the industry.

In a Global Gaming Expo panel discussion, “Responsible Online Gaming: What’s Next?,” on October 7, ROGA leaders explained their vision for the future of gaming, emphasizing the industry’s responsibility to safeguard its players and the need to collaborate to make this happen. The conversation stressed that the growth of online gaming must be accompanied by a commitment to player protection, with industry-wide efforts to create a safer, more informed gaming environment.

One of the central themes during the discussion was teamwork. BetMGM’s Rich Taylor underscored the significance of collective effort in addressing the common challenges facing the gaming world. The message was clear: the best outcomes are achieved when competitors work together to find solutions. Taylor’s remarks reflect the essence of ROGA’s mission—uniting otherwise fierce competitors in a cooperative endeavor to build a healthier gaming ecosystem.

The drive toward responsible gaming isn’t just about addressing existing problems but also about prevention. Jennifer Shatley, another key leader in the movement, explained that ROGA’s programs have been created to benefit all players, not just those who may already be struggling with gambling issues. The idea is to give consumers the tools they need to make smart decisions from the moment they begin participating, encouraging responsible behavior before potential problems arise.

International insights were also brought into the conversation, with Steve Ketteley noting that the UK’s proactive RG strategies could be adapted for the US market. The UK has long been at the forefront of RG practices, and Ketteley emphasized that the US could develop a similar strategy, particularly when it comes to early intervention and preventative measures.

One of ROGA’s primary challenges moving forward is how to balance player engagement with the various RG tools already available. While many online gaming platforms offer features like limit-setting and behavior tracking, these tools remain underutilized by the majority of players. ROGA hopes to understand the reasons behind this lack of engagement and find innovative ways to encourage players to take advantage of these resources.

FanDuel has already made strides in this area, launching a free educational platform in partnership with Front Office Sports. This initiative offers RG training to the broader public, aiming to make RG a standard part of the online gaming experience. 

FanDuel’s Head of RG and Community Impact, Alison Kutler, emphasized that creating these resources is not a competitive endeavor; instead, it represents the industry’s collective responsibility to protect its players. She pointed out that operators are learning from one another and sharing best practices through ROGA, creating a unique environment for collaboration.

DraftKings is also at the forefront of RG efforts, having introduced a financial literacy program designed for college students. This initiative is designed to provide young adults who may be new to online gaming with the tools they need to engage responsibly. 

One of their latest innovations is “My Stat Sheet,” which helps players track their behavior from the very start of their gaming journey. DraftKings’ Chief Responsible Gaming Officer, Lori Kalani, emphasized the importance of reaching players early to ensure that they understand and control their gaming habits.

BetMGM has also taken a targeted approach, focusing on veterans and making sure they have the tools necessary to engage with gaming responsibly. This highlights the industry’s recognition that different player groups have unique needs, and tailored solutions are essential for fostering a smarter RG environment.