US Gaming Industry Unites for Gaming Education Month 2024
With September underway, the American Gaming Association (AGA) and its members have kicked off Responsible Gaming Education Month (RGEM) 2024, marking the industry's 26th annual commitment to raising awareness about responsible gambling efforts.
Throughout RGEM 2024, the AGA and its members will launch a range of activities designed to engage and inform both industry professionals and the public on the importance of responsible gambling.
This month-long campaign will include educational webinars, interactive workshops, and public awareness efforts designed to promote safer gambling practices.
The goal is to emphasize the significance of recognizing and addressing problem gambling while equipping players with practical tools and resources for managing their gaming responsibly.
The year's initiative will see a focus on ongoing education and self-limiting tools, the use of advanced technology for risk detection and intervention, comprehensive employee training, and funding for independent research into effective responsible gaming strategies.
Never chase losses
Always set limits
Take regular breaks
Key Responsible Gaming Messages for Players
As part of its campaign, the AGA is promoting the following key messages to players, emphasizing that responsible play starts with a game plan. Whether casino newbies or regulars, all players are encouraged to follow these tips to keep gaming fun:
- Set a budget and stick to it
- Keep it social by playing with friends and family
- Learn the rules and odds of the games you're playing
- Always bet with legal operators licensed by state and tribal regulators
- Utilize mobile app features to set limits on time, total amount, or individual wager amounts
Crackdown on Illegal Gambling
Throughout the campaign, the AGA is reinforcing its commitment to combating illegal gambling and highlighting the risks posed by black-market operators.
Unlike licensed gaming providers, illegal gambling offers no consumer protections and preys on vulnerable individuals. Legal operators invest hundreds of millions annually in responsible gaming initiatives and adhere to strict self-exclusion protocols.
For a safer and more secure gaming experience, players are encouraged to always choose licensed operators, who prioritize consumer protection and ethical practices, ensuring a safer environment for all participants.
Industry Progress in Responsible Gaming
Recent research from the AGA shows significant progress in responsible gaming awareness and industry perception:
- The number of Americans who believe the industry is committed to responsible gaming has increased nearly 50% since 2018.
- 73% of past-year gamblers agree that the industry is committed to encouraging responsible gaming and combating problem gambling.
- 84% of past-year gamblers in the U.S. are aware of at least one responsible gaming resource.
- Sports betting ad volume decreased by 4% year-over-year across all channels, having contracted 20% from the 2021 peak.
Despite the progress made by the industry, there’s still work to be done. RGEM 2024 will renew efforts to create a safer and more sustainable gaming environment for all participants.
Safer Gaming Advice and Support
If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling problem, help is available.
The National Council on Problem Gambling provides a range of resources, including answers to common queries, a gambling behavior self-assessment, information about treatment and the National Problem Gambling Helpline to help connect you with local resources.
Contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline:
📞 Phone: 1-800-GAMBLER
💬 Text: 800GAM
💻 Live Chat: Chat Online
The National Problem Gambling Helpline offers call, text and chat services 24/7, 365 days a year. Available in all 50 states.
PokerNews encourages players to gamble responsibly at all times.
Please visit the link for further information on PokerNews' commitment to Responsible Gambling.
