Six Illinois Casino Companies Team Up On Responsible Gambling

Written By Dave Briggs on September 23, 2022 - Last Updated on March 13, 2023
Bally's, BetMGM, Draftings, Entain, FanDuel and MGM Resorts have teamed up to commit to a 12-point responsible gambling initiative.

Six of the largest US online gaming operators have joined forces on a new responsible gambling initiative.

Specifically, Bally’s, BetMGM, Draftings, Entain, FanDuel and MGM Resorts — all legal Illinois gambling entities — have released a 12-point pledge. Further, it is a commitment to the principles of responsible online gaming.

Also, the gambling companies are recommending the principles as an industry benchmark.

The announcement coincides with September’s designation as Responsible Gaming Education Month by the American Gaming Association.

“These principles mark an important milestone, and I am delighted other leading operators have joined us in this commitment to responsible gaming in the rapidly growing US markets, as responsibility sits at the heart of our business,” said Martin Lycka, Entain’s senior vice-president for American regulatory affairs and responsible gambling. “It’s truly a first for this market and a significant step for addressing problem gaming on a consistent basis.

“We hope our industry and state regulators will join us in advancing these principles. Our patrons deserve it.”

Participating only in legal, regulated responsible markets at the core

In a release, the group said the 12 principles are derived from four core attributes:

  1. Participating only in legal markets that provide consumer protections.
  2. Striving to instil responsible gaming culture throughout their respective businesses.
  3. All forms of online gaming should be a fun activity and enjoyed as a form of entertainment.
  4. While the vast majority of individuals can enjoy online gaming in a responsible way, some individuals need additional tools and support related to their gaming activities.

Also, the principles include:

  • A commitment to take active steps to prevent underage and excluded individuals from participating in any form of gaming.
  • The adoption and effective promotion of a unified nationwide responsible gaming toll-free helpline.
  • Socially responsible advertising which avoids imagery that might entice minors in its marketing content.
  • A “shared responsibility approach” to addressing problem gaming
  • A commitment to working with policy makers, academic experts and researchers, problem gaming treatment organizations, advocacy groups, partners and customers to promote responsible gaming and address problem gaming.
  • Employee training and monitoring operators’ respective responsible gaming programs and initiatives to ensure compliance with applicable standards.

What the operators are saying about the partnership

DraftKings’ senior director of responsible gaming Chrissy Thurmond said:

“Essential to promoting safer play is a framework for operators to guide them in responsible gaming.”

Further, Robeson Reeves, president of interactive at Bally’s Corporation, said, “We are committed to the 12-point pledge and it’s Bally’s and the industry’s responsibility to prevent underage gaming and provide education and safeguards.”

Additionally, BetMGM’s chief legal officer, Joshua Jessen said:

“Creating a consistent standard of responsible gaming measures across the board greatly strengthens our collective commitment to our customers, employees, and the communities where we operate.”

As well, Adam Warrington, vice president of responsible gaming for FanDuel said, “Collectively, we have the privilege and opportunity to set the standard for what it means to be a responsible operator by leading from the front and collectively enabling our customers to enjoy our products, responsibly.”

And MGM Resorts‘ senior vice president and chief compliance officer, Stephen Martino, said:

“Having the industry come together with a unified approach and standards puts the best interests of our guests, customers, and their families at the forefront. It’s the right thing to do for our customers, our industry and our businesses.”

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Dave Briggs

Dave Briggs is a managing editor and writer for Catena Media. His expertise is covering the gambling industry in North America with an emphasis on the casino, sports betting, horse racing and poker sectors. He is currently reporting on the gaming industries in Illinois and Canada.

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