A group of gambling operators is taking steps to promote responsible legal sports betting.
A coalition of online betting sites, which includes BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, PointsBet, Fanatics, and others, have joined forces to combat problem gambling. The sportsbooks have created new responsible gaming standards that provide education and resources for bettors.
"Responsible gambling is a core priority for our business and requires meaningful collaboration with all stakeholders, inclusive of operators competing within the same markets,” said Rachel Kasper, PointsBet US SVP of Legal and Compliance.
The Responsible Gambling Coalition — launched in September 2022 — includes 12 principles that each operator adheres to. The principles include providing toll-free helplines, establishing research partnerships, and receiving accreditation from the Responsible Gambling Council.
On March 30, BetMGM received accreditation from the RGC for its gaming and player protection protocols within its North American operations. BetMGM received the accreditation following an arduous evaluation process, which included a review of staff training and procedures. PointsBet received accreditation in January under the same RG Check program.
“This accomplishment is a clear demonstration that BetMGM has a strong commitment to responsible gambling and player safety,” said RGC CEO Shelley White. “We commend BetMGM for its dedication to promoting responsible gambling practices and its efforts to ensure the well-being of their players.
Different paths taken
Other major sports betting operators, like Malta-based Tipico, have found other ways to be proactive about responsible gambling. The company has launched a new campaign — “Better Bettor” — to promote responsible wagering and to educate bettors through engagement. The campaign offers a platform for bettors to learn terminology and strategy within sports wagering.
"We developed our Better Bettor campaign to help protect and educate bettors regardless of their preferred platform,” Tipico VP of Marketing Brian Becker told Covers. “As our platform expands and establishes long-term customer relationships, Tipico's top priority is to ensure that we provide customers with the right tools and resources to gamble responsibly.”
FanDuel leading change
FanDuel — the No. 1 sportsbook in America in terms of market share at 50% — announced in March that it will donate $100,000 to the National Council on Problem Gambling in partnership with the NFL Foundation. The funds will be allocated toward the NCGP’s Agility Grants program.
The program, which created the first-ever national grants for problem gambling prevention, supports nonprofit organizations in areas that don’t have access to education and services.
FanDuel has also vowed to fund research to understand gambling behavior in the U.S. for the International Center for Responsible Gaming. The sportsbook also partnered with the NBA and the PGA Tour to launch gaming campaigns in March — Problem Gambling Awareness Month.
"Responsible gambling is a key pillar of our approach to legal sports betting and we are grateful that FanDuel shares that vision,” said NBA SVP Head of Gaming & New Business Ventures Scott Kaufman-Ross.
What lies ahead
As sports betting expands its reach in America — most recently with the legalization of online and retail sports betting in Kentucky via House Bill 551 on March 31 — sportsbooks and the markets they serve will continue to curtail problem gambling through resources and education.
Operators like BetMGM, FanDuel, and Tipico are leading the way as the industry takes shape.
