With Responsible Gambling Education Month drawing to a close, the American Gaming Association released data Thursday that showed a significant increase in responsible gambling investments by gaming companies in the United States.
According to "a major international accounting firm" the AGA contracted with, total RG spending has reached $471.8 million annually — up 72% from 2017, when spending levels were at $275 million. While these figures account for all forms of gaming, it bears noting that the Supreme Court repealed PASPA in 2018, making it legal for states other than Nevada to offer sports wagering.
“This impactful rise in RG spending demonstrates the legal industry’s dedication to fostering a safe and informed gaming environment,” Joe Maloney, the AGA's senior vice president of strategic communications, said in a press release. “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.”
Gas-Station Sushi & the Snooze Button
Among life's everyday gambles are eating gas-station sushi and hitting the snooze button with the clock ticking toward the time you're supposed to head to work.
Then, of course, there's gambling in the literal sense. The New York State Gaming Commission chose to combine all of these elements into its "Small Risk & Big Gamble" responsible gambling advertising campaign.
On Wednesday, the gaming commission disclosed that its RG campaign won three awards at the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries' annual Batchy Awards in Kansas City. This news comes on the heels of similar recognition at a National Council on Problem Gambling conference in San Diego in July.
“New York is honored to be recognized by both lottery operators and problem gambling prevention advocates for our latest creative campaign promoting responsible gaming practices,” Commission Chair Brian O’Dwyer said in a press release. “By illustrating everyday risks and how they relate to decisions about gambling, we are able to effectively deliver a simple but important message to a broad audience."
