AMERICAN GAMING ASSOCIATION
Celebrating 25 Years of RG Education
RGEM 2023 provides a look back — and forward — on industry responsibility
BY CAIT DEBAUN
This September , the American Gaming Association ( AGA ), our members and the broader gaming community will celebrate 25 years of highlighting and advancing the industry ’ s responsible gaming efforts during Responsible Gaming Education Month ( RGEM ).
This year ’ s anniversary is not only a noteworthy milestone , but a reminder of the important progress we ’ ve made in building a safer gaming environment across the country . In the last quarter-century , responsible gaming has become a true pillar of the legal U . S . gaming industry . Our commitment to responsibility is instilled in the culture of our companies , trusted by regulators and policymakers , and recognized by consumers .
Today , 82 percent of past-year gamblers , including 92 percent of past-year sports bettors , recall seeing or hearing about responsible gaming in the past 12 months , according to AGA research . And 73 percent of past-year gamblers ( 82 percent of past-year sports bettors ) view responsible gaming tools offered by the industry as effective .
RGEM also provides an opportunity to reflect on how we can strengthen responsibility in gaming in the coming months , years and decades if we continue to double down on our commitments . Here ’ s how you can get involved through September across four dedicated themes .
Empowering Customers to Play Responsibly ( September 1-10 ) As gaming expands into new markets and verticals , it ’ s more important than ever to keep customers at the heart of responsible gaming . Focus this week ’ s efforts on highlighting the tools and resources that keep gaming fun for everyone , including the data-driven insights that empower customers to make informed decisions about their game play .
Legal , Regulated Gaming Protects Players ( September 11-17 ) The legal gaming industry is among the most highly regulated industries in America to ensure consumer protections and confidence in the market . This week , educate your audience on the differences between legal and illegal gambling operations and share the pitfalls of playing illegally .
Building a Responsible Gaming Culture Within ( September 18-24 ) Our employees are on the front lines , actively helping customers play responsibly . Every year , the industry invests time and money to equip our employees with the skills and resources essential to supporting our customers . This week provides an opportunity to refresh employee training and internal communications , as well as highlight the data and technology available to employees in these efforts .
Advancing Responsible Gaming with Research ( September 25-30 ) The gaming industry is making significant contributions toward responsible gaming research to develop effective policies and programs . Use this week to highlight your support for this research and highlight publicly available data on responsible gaming .
More than ever , today ’ s gaming industry is investing in player education , implementing technology , and funding research and resources to enhance responsible gaming . These efforts are strengthening both customer safety and our businesses , and we look forward to seeing how the entire industry rallies around responsible gaming this September .
For full RGEM resources and more ways to celebrate this September , visit the AGA ’ s RGEM webpage at americangaming . org / event / responsiblegaming-education-month-2023 .
Cait DeBaun is vice president , strategic communications & responsibility , for the American Gaming Association .
10 Global Gaming Business SEPTEMBER 2023