[toc] For the first time ever, the American Gaming Association (AGA) is enhancing its dedication to responsible gaming and extending this initiative online.
The AGA unveiled a new industry Code of Conduct for Responsible Gaming last week during the Responsible Gaming Education Week events held in Las Vegas, Nevada and Atlantic City, New Jersey.
The AGA Code of Conduct
The Responsible Gaming Code of Conduct by the AGA was first developed in 2003. Its goal was to implement a uniform, industry-wide strategy for responsible gaming among all member casinos and gaming companies of the AGA.
The AGA’s code, despite being updated in 2013, was still primarily relevant to land-based gaming operations. However, the AGA has now modernized it to be applicable to all gaming forms, such as land-based, online gambling, mobile, and interactive.
Elizabeth Cronan, the AGA’s senior director of gaming policy, said in a press release, “Our dedication to responsible gaming has reached an all-time high, as demonstrated by our revised Code of Conduct on responsible gaming. We understand that responsible gaming must be a priority throughout the industry, for all employees, on a daily basis.”
Changes aimed at protecting players, building dialogue
The purpose behind the modifications to AGA’s Code of Conduct is to enhance the gaming industry’s commitment to responsible gaming. Additionally, these changes intend to promote a stronger and more unified conversation among industry stakeholders.
The code alterations encompass new measures for consumer protection. These changes include improved transparency in terms of odds and payouts in casino games, as well as in advertising. The AGA asserts that the aim of these modifications is to ensure that marketing and advertising strategies do not distort the chances of winning.
Ongoing responsible gaming initiatives
The casino industry, along with the AGA, also conducts ongoing initiatives related to responsible gaming which include:
- Investigation into methods of treatment and prevention.
- Creation and dissemination of educational resources.
- Training employees on handling problem gamblers and implementing responsible gaming initiatives.
Additionally, the AGA and its associated casinos distribute educational materials and toll-free helpline numbers throughout casino premises, providing players with a means to obtain further information about responsible gaming.
You can download more information and a copy of the AGA’s Code of Conduct from the AGA website.
Responsible Gaming Education Week
This year marked the 20th anniversary of Responsible Gaming Education Week. As part of the week’s events, a responsible gaming roundtable was held at UNLV in Las Vegas, NV.
Attendees included stakeholders:
- Congresswoman Dina Titus of the 1st District
- Commissioner Chris Giunchigliani of Clark County
- Terry Johnson, a member of the Nevada Gaming Control Board
- Vice President of MGM Resorts International, Alan Feldman
- Tim Richards, SVP of Payments Innovation at Everi
- Dan Shapiro, William Hill’s Vice President of Strategy and Business Development
- Bo Bernhard, Executive Director of UNLV International Gaming Institute
The American Gaming Association (AGA) represents the US casino industry, which is worth $240 billion. Its membership comprises commercial and tribal casino operators, suppliers, and other businesses linked to the gaming industry.
