The Responsible Gaming Coalition last week welcomed three new members: Fanatics Betting and Gaming, Hard Rock Digital and PointsBet.

The coalition of the largest online gaming operators in the country came together last September to agree on industry-led responsible gaming standards. The addition of these new operators brings the group to nine members, with: Bally’s, BetMGM, DraftKings, Entain, FanDuel and MGM Resorts International.

“Responsible gambling is a core priority for our business and requires meaningful collaboration with all stakeholders, inclusive of operators competing within the same markets, to promote this aspect of our industry and ensure safe practices are followed,” said Rachel Kasper, senior vice president of legal and compliance of PointsBet US, in a March 30 press release.

“We are proud to collaborate and partner with our industry colleagues,” said Anthony D’Angelo, senior manager, Responsible Gaming for Fanatics Betting & Gaming. “We are committed to the 12 responsible gaming principles and providing our fans tools and resources to enjoy our products.”

“Hard Rock Digital is pleased to have this opportunity to collaborate with our fellow operators to promote and maintain an industry-wide atmosphere of responsible gambling,” said Danny Cook, senior vice president of operations at Hard Rock Digital. “We’re committed to ensure a safe and enjoyable online gaming experience.”

As part of their commitment to the 12 responsible gaming principles, which will be reviewed by an outside panel of experts to provide guidance, the operators developed reports outlining how their activities and projects align with each of the principles.

Some of those efforts include:

• Launching responsible gaming tools and sites;
• Appointing Responsible Gaming Ambassadors;
• Committing to the need for a unified, nationwide responsible gambling toll-free helpline;
• Establishing research partnerships with industry-leading institutions;
• Partnering with the National Council on Problem Gambling;
• And receiving the RG Check accreditation from the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) – not to be confused with the coalition – with the RGC serving as the leading international authority on responsible gambling.

Promoting responsibility

In fact, in a separate announcement the same day, Jersey City-based coalition member BetMGM announced it received RGC’s top accreditation, which the company says reflects its commitment to responsible gaming, player health and safeguards.

The RG Check is regarded as one of the industry’s most comprehensive responsible gaming accreditation programs. The process involves a thorough evaluation of an organization’s responsible gaming program, including its policies, procedures and training platforms.

“We are proud to have received this prestigious RG Check certification,” said Adam Greenblatt, CEO of BetMGM. “This accreditation is a testament to our ongoing efforts to promote responsibility throughout our business and to ensure the well-being of our customers. We will continue to work closely with the RGC and other industry partners to promote a culture of safe and enjoyable gambling.

“Congratulations to BetMGM on achieving the RG Check accreditation for all of its North American platforms. This accomplishment is a clear demonstration that BetMGM has a strong commitment to responsible gambling and player safety,” said Shelley White, CEO of RGC. “We commend BetMGM for its dedication to promote responsible gambling practices and its efforts to ensure the well-being of their players.”

These announcements come amid increased efforts in New Jersey by gaming regulators to address gambling addiction.

In February, officials announced a new Responsible Gaming Initiative to identify and help problem gamblers by utilizing information already collected by online gaming operators about their patrons’ playing habits. March was declared Problem Gambling Awareness Month in New Jersey by Gov. Phil Murphy. And earlier in that month, the NJ Casino Control Commission (CCC) adopted a resolution acknowledging the statewide declaration.

Felicia Grondin, executive director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ) accepted the resolution on behalf of the council, which offers a wide array of educational, community outreach and support services for people affected by problem gambling.

“I commend Felicia Grondin and the CCGNJ for its very important role in giving people hope for what is known to be a treatable illness,” said CCC Chairman James Plousis in a press release earlier this month. “I know the casino industry in Atlantic City has been supportive and acknowledges that gambling can be problematic for many people. The Casino Control Commission appreciates that support.”