An important development in the sector has occurred with the announcement by seven well-known US sports betting companies to join a new alliance known as the Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA).
Together, BetMGM (MGM), bet365, DraftKings (DKNG), Fanatics, FanDuel (FLUT), Hard Rock Digital, and PENN Entertainment (PENN) account for more than 85% of the online sports betting and iGaming industry in the United States. Their partnership seeks to address the rising concerns about ethical online gambling, particularly as more states legalize sports betting and the business grows.
The companies have committed a substantial sum of at least $20 million to support the initiative, demonstrating their dedication to promoting responsible gambling practices and tackling issues related to problem gambling head-on.
The primary focus of ROGA is to elevate awareness and education on responsible gaming, both among consumers and within the industry itself. The coalition intends to invest in research to assess the effectiveness of existing responsible gaming policies and initiatives.
Moreover, the companies plan to establish a centralized database to facilitate the sharing of information and data, aiding in the protection of consumers and ensuring a safer online gaming environment for all participants.
Dr. Jennifer Shatley, the Executive Director of ROGA and President of the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling, expressed optimism about the coalition’s mission. She said, “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 further added,“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.”
Through collaboration with researchers, regulatory bodies, and stakeholders, ROGA aims to set new standards for responsible online gaming practices, fostering a culture of accountability and awareness within the industry.
The establishment of ROGA signals a significant step forward in the evolution of the U.S. sports betting landscape, demonstrating a proactive commitment to promoting responsible gaming principles and safeguarding the well-being of players.