Recent research indicates that 66 percent of Americans now believe that the gaming industry ’ s responsible gaming programs are effective , a notable increase from 59 percent in 2023 . Of those who actively engage in gaming activities , 79 percent of casino players and 85 percent of sports bettors agree these efforts are working .
AMERICAN GAMING ASSOCIATION
Keep Your Cool
AGA Releases New Pillar for ‘ Have A Game Plan ’ Initiative
BY JOE MALONEY
Since 2019 , the AGA ’ s responsible gaming initiative “ Have A Game Plan . Bet Responsibly ” has educated tens of thousands of sports fans on the importance of responsible sports betting here in the U . S . Supported by sports leagues , teams , media companies and gaming operators from across the country , Have A Game Plan reflects the industry ’ s commitment to responsible gaming and fostering a positive gambling environment .
The campaign initially launched with four pillars to encourage fans to bet responsibly : set a budget , keep betting social , understand the odds , and play with legal , trusted and licensed operators . With rising concerns over athlete wellness , the AGA recently added a new pillar to the campaign : “ Keep Your Cool .”
The new pillar is a reminder that sports betting is entertainment , and whether you win or lose , it ’ s all part of the experience . By “ Keeping Your Cool ,” fans avoid letting the result of a bet prompt negative actions — in person or online — towards athletes , coaches and officials .
The importance of this new pillar and the Have A Game Plan initiative comes at a time when data is showing the effectiveness of responsible gaming initiatives around the country .
Recent research indicates that 66 percent of Americans now believe that the gaming industry ’ s responsible gaming programs are effective , a notable increase from 59 percent in 2023 . Of those who actively engage in gaming activities , 79 percent of casino players and 85 percent of sports bettors agree these efforts are working .
Recent research indicates that 66 percent of Americans now believe that the gaming industry ’ s responsible gaming programs are effective , a notable increase from 59 percent in 2023 . Of those who actively engage in gaming activities , 79 percent of casino players and 85 percent of sports bettors agree these efforts are working .
Notably , 73 percent of younger bettors ( ages 18-24 ) express confidence in the effectiveness of responsible gaming messaging .
However , we are also seeing increased attention paid to athletes and their mental health , as the demands of meeting their own standards of performance and expectations of fans and teammates alike collide with the realities of being more present and accessible than ever to fans and other stakeholders .
It is with this reality and our industry ’ s durable responsibility commitments historically that we add this fifth pillar to promote athlete wellness and seek the support of other stakeholders in the new , expanded legal gaming industry that includes sports betting .
We are grateful for organizations such as NASCAR , an early supporter of the Have A Game Plan initiative , which voiced its commitment to promoting the new “ Keep Your Cool ” pillar .
“ At NASCAR , we believe responsible gaming enhances the overall fan experience ,” said Joe Solosky , managing director of sports betting at NASCAR . “‘ Keep Your Cool ’ reflects our shared commitment to encouraging fans to bet responsibly while maintaining a respectful approach to the sport they love .”
As we keep an eye out for additional expansion for sports betting in 2025 , we know the core tenets of responsibility will be more important than ever . “ Have A Game Plan . Bet Responsibly ” will continue its work to foster a positive game experience for sports bettors , players and officials .
To learn more about the campaign and responsible gaming resources , visit haveagameplan . org .
Joe Maloney is senior vice president , strategic communications for the American Gaming Association .
10 Global Gaming Business FEBRUARY 2025