The American Gaming Association (AGA), Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), and European Casino Association (ECA) have joined forces to address ongoing challenges in the global gaming industry.
The three companies signed a memorandum of understanding to formalize their joint commitment to tackling issues such as illegal gambling, responsible gaming, and security. This will create a platform for undertaking joint projects and exchanging expertise.
“This new partnership is a significant step forward in our collective efforts to advance the legal gaming industry and protect consumers around the globe,” AGA president and CEO Bill Miller said in a press release. “By fostering dialogue and cooperation across borders, the AGA, ECA, and BGC are taking a proactive approach to safeguarding the integrity of the legal gaming industry and ensuring its continued growth and success.”
Grainne Hurst, CEO of the BGC said the partnership marks a new chapter in the shared vision between the three companies to "build a world-class, trusted and sustainable betting and gaming industry."
“The European Casino Association stands united with the AGA and BGC in its commitment to addressing the key issues facing all gaming industry stakeholders,” added ECA chairman Erwin van Lambaart.
What’s next?
This latest update marks only the beginning of the collaboration, which is rooted in shared industry values and priorities. The first initiative will be a law enforcement roundtable scheduled for January 2025. The roundtable will focus on combating illegal gambling and bring together industry leaders, regulators, and law enforcement officials. Participants will also discuss strategies to enhance cross-jurisdictional communication and develop practical solutions to address these challenges.
“By sharing our unique resources, we will expand our fight against illegal gambling to new fronts, work together to strengthen responsible gaming, and innovate around business best practices,” added Miller.
Record-breaking RG investments
Last month, a study commissioned by the AGA revealed that industry investments in responsible gaming reached a record high of $471.8 million, up 72% from the $275 million spent in 2017. The areas with the most spending include customer service, education, and responsible gaming programs.
“Beyond the considerable taxes gaming companies contribute to fund responsible gaming and problem gambling resources, the industry also proactively invests hundreds of millions of dollars more to ensure our customers have the tools, knowledge and safeguards to play responsibly,” commented Joe Maloney, AGA senior vice president of strategic communications.
The AGA was created in 1994 to educate and lobby on behalf of the U.S. gambling industry. Similarly, the BGC is the UK’s main gambling industry lobby group, but this organization did not come about until 2019. The ECA was founded in the early 1990s, representing licensed land-based casinos across Europe.
