[toc]The American Gaming Association (AGA) is stepping up its commitment to responsible gaming, and taking that effort online for the first time ever.
Last week, as a part of Responsible Gaming Education Week events in Las Vegas, Nevada and Atlantic City, New Jersey, the AGA released a new industry Code of Conduct for Responsible Gaming.
The AGA Code of Conduct
The AGA Code of Conduct for Responsible Gaming was originally created in 2003. It aimed to establish a consistent, industry-wide approach to responsible gaming across all the AGA’s member casinos and gaming companies.
Although it was updated in 2013, the AGA’s code was still primarily applicable to land-based gaming operations. Now, the AGA has modernized it by making it applicable to all forms of gaming, including land based, online gambling, mobile and interactive.
“Our commitment to responsible gaming has never been higher and that’s reflected in our updated Code of Conduct on responsible gaming,” the AGA’s senior director of gaming policy Elizabeth Cronan said in a release. “We know that responsible gaming is an issue that must be top of mind industry-wide for all employees, every day.”
Changes aimed at protecting players, building dialogue
The aim of the changes to the AGA’s Code of Conduct is to increase industry efforts in the area of responsible gaming. The changes also seek to build a greater, and more cohesive dialogue among industry stakeholders.
Changes to the code include new consumer protection measures. For example, enhanced transparency surrounding odds and payouts on casino games. Plus, they also include enhanced transparency in advertising. According to the AGA, the goal is to make sure advertising and marketing efforts do not misrepresent the probability of winning.
Ongoing responsible gaming initiatives
Ongoing responsible gaming initiatives conducted by the AGA and the casino industry as a whole also include:
- Research into treatment and prevention methods.
- Development and distribution of educational materials.
- Training employees as to how to deal with problem gamblers and implement responsible gaming initiatives.
Additionally, the AGA and its casino partners place informative material and toll-free helpline numbers throughout casino properties to give players an avenue for seeking more information about responsible gaming.
More information and a copy of the AGA’s Code of Conduct is available for download through the AGA website.
Responsible Gaming Education Week
This year was actually the 20th anniversary of Responsible Gaming Education Week. The Las Vegas, NV event held as part of the week was a responsible gaming roundtable held at UNLV.
Stakeholders in attendance included:
- 1st District Congresswoman Dina Titus
- Clark County Commissioner Chris Giunchigliani
- Nevada Gaming Control Board member Terry Johnson
- MGM Resorts International VP Alan Feldman
- Everi SVP of Payments Innovation Tim Richards
- William Hill VP of Strategy and Business Development Dan Shapiro
- UNLV International Gaming Institute Executive Director Bo Bernhard
The AGA is a trade group representing the $240 billion US casino industry. Members include commercial and tribal casino operators, suppliers, and other businesses affiliated with the gaming industry.
