US Gaming Industry Boosts Responsible Gaming Investments to $471.8 Million
The US gaming industry has made a significant investment in responsible gaming initiatives, with a total annual expenditure of $471.8 million, marking a 72% increase from 2017. This growth in responsible gaming spending has outpaced the revenue growth in the gaming sector over the same period, highlighting an intensified focus on creating a safer gaming environment.
The American Gaming Association (AGA) report breaks down the investment in responsible gaming into various activities, including customer service interactions, development and maintenance of responsible gaming programs, consumer-facing responsible gaming education, research and support for non-profit responsible gaming organizations, and problem gambling supportive services.
The AGA's Senior Vice President of Strategic Communications, Joe Maloney, emphasized the industry's proactive efforts, stating that the significant rise in responsible gaming spending demonstrates the industry's dedication to fostering a safe and informed gaming environment. He also highlighted the industry's commitment to responsibility, citing the success of Responsible Gaming Education Month (RGEM) 2024, during which the AGA unveiled a pioneering Responsible Gaming Intervention Effectiveness Scale.
The AGA conducted the study between July and September 2024, surveying a broad spectrum of its members, including casino operators, gaming equipment suppliers, and iGaming or sportsbook operators. The data collected from this representative sample was then extrapolated to generate an industry-wide estimate based on the reported revenues for the fiscal/calendar year 2023.
As the US continues to see an expansion in legal gambling jurisdictions, responsible gaming remains a top priority. Regulatory approaches vary from state to state, but there are ongoing discussions at the federal level to establish a national framework for responsible gaming. Recent legislative proposals, such as the SAFE Bet Act and the GRIT Act, aim to allocate federal funds towards problem gambling and responsible gaming programs, indicating a move towards more standardized regulations across the country.
The AGA's report highlights the industry's commitment to responsible gaming and its efforts to create a safer gaming environment. The significant investment in responsible gaming initiatives demonstrates the industry's dedication to fostering a safe and informed gaming environment, and the AGA's pioneering Responsible Gaming Intervention Effectiveness Scale is a valuable tool in evaluating the effectiveness of responsible gaming messages.
Overall, the US gaming industry's investment in responsible gaming initiatives is a positive step towards creating a safer gaming environment, and the AGA's report highlights the industry's commitment to responsibility. As the industry continues to evolve, it is likely that responsible gaming will remain a top priority, and the AGA's efforts will play a significant role in shaping the industry's approach to responsible gaming.