In a landmark move, a coalition of leading US betting companies has announced the formation of the Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA), a collaborative effort dedicated to promoting best responsible gaming (RG) practices across the nation’s bustling industry. The alliance, consisting of BetMGM, bet365, DraftKings, Fanatics Betting and Gaming, FanDuel, Hard Rock Digital, and PENN Entertainment, lays claim to over 85% of the legal online sports betting and iGaming market share in the United States.
The establishment of ROGA is not just a symbolic gesture but a testament to the industry’s commitment to RG, as these corporations have collectively pledged a staggering $20 million to bolster the objectives of this newly minted body in its inaugural year. The financial backing underscores the seriousness with which these operators intend to approach the issue of responsible gaming.
Leading ROGA’s charge is Dr. Jennifer Shatley, a renowned figure with a rich legacy that spans 25 years within the responsible gaming field. Dr. Shatley is poised to draw upon her vast expertise as an RG executive, shaping the strategic direction of the organization and spearheading initiatives geared towards education and best practice dissemination across the industry. Her role as ROGA’s executive director will run concurrently with her presidency of the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling and her contribution to the National Council on Problem Gambling.
Dr. Shatley expressed her enthusiasm and recognized the importance of her leadership role: “I am humbled, honored, and excited to be selected to lead ROGA during this important period of growth in legalized mobile gaming. 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.”
ROGA has delineated five fundamental aims that constitute its roadmap to fulfilling its mission for promoting RG education to the fullest extent. The first of these aims centers on advocating for and funding independent research to gauge the effectiveness and impact of RG tools. In animating this research pillar, ROGA seeks to generate a robust evidence base to inform best practices.
ROGA’s second aim involves actively promoting those best practices among its members, encouraging the implementation of proven RG strategies. Furthermore, ROGA will put significant effort into raising public awareness about the pitfalls of irresponsible gambling while also promoting advertising that aligns with responsible gaming values.
Another critical initiative is the creation of an independent data clearinghouse. Collaboratively with member companies, this repository will serve as a nexus for information sharing, enhancing the ability to safeguard customer welfare more effectively.
Finally, ROGA is set to develop an independent certification program aimed at evaluating the responsible gaming efforts of member operators. This program will not only offer a level of RG quality assurance but will also provide an objective assessment of the operators’ RG procedures, holding them to a high and accountable standard.
The formation of ROGA represents a significant step in the evolution of the legal online gaming industry in the United States. As the industry continues to expand, ROGA has positioned itself as a central player in ensuring that growth is accompanied by a comprehensive framework of responsibility and care for the welfare of consumers, spearheaded by experienced leadership and backed by the industry’s biggest names.
