ROGA Formed to Support Responsible Gambling

Seven major online casinos in the US, including Michigan’s top operators BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel, have come together to form the Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA).  

Other founding members include Fanatics Betting and Gaming, Hard Rock Digital, bet365, and PENN Entertainment. They have all contributed to a $20 million (£14.9 million) war chest to support ROGA’s initiatives in its first year. 

They main goals are: 

• Independent Certification Program: ROGA will introduce its own certificates that member sites can display as a trust signal, which shows that they’re employing the highest standards when it comes to responsible gaming.  

• Establish a Player Protection Database: ROGA plans to launch a database to protect players who have chosen self-exclusion, or are showing signs of problem gambling across multiple platforms.  

• Promote Responsible Gambling : ROGA aims to encourage and implement responsible gambling practices across the industry with tools like self-exclusion, time-outs and firm betting limits. 

• Support Academic Research: The organization will fund and support academic research on gambling-related issues and shape industry standards. 

• Encourage Responsible Advertising: The association also focuses on promoting responsible advertising practices within the online gaming industry. 

Experienced Hands at the Wheel

The trade association has appointed industry expert Dr. Jennifer Shatley as its Executive Director. Dr. Shatley also sits on the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling and the National Council on Problem Gambling. 

It is one of a number of initiatives launched by the industry in recent months to combat problem gambling. We recently revealed the launch of the Social and Promotional Gaming Association for social casinos and sweepstakes models. Policing itself is a good way to head off further regulation, but it’s also a sign that the online gambling industry is looking to establish firm foundations and provide a sustainable future for this fast-growing industry.