AGA

The American Gaming Association has added four new senior-level staff members, “furthering the association’s success in serving its members and the rapidly evolving gaming industry”.

As part of the recruitment drive Cait DeBaun becomes senior director of strategic communications, Jessica Feil joins as senior director of government relations, Meredith Pallante occupies the senior director of events role and Gabrielle Voorhees takes up the position of senior director of finance.

These additions are said to complement organisational changes announced earlier this summer, reflecting AGA’s enhanced focus on industry modernisation, communications and advocacy

“There’s never been a been a more exciting time to be a part of the gaming industry, and our ability to attract this level of talent reflects that,” noted Bill Miller, president and CEO.

“These four, high-calibre professionals represent a broad array of experience and talent that will be an asset to our industry and our members day in and day out.”

Tabcorp

David Gallop has joined the Tabcorp board as a non executive director, subject to the receipt of regulatory and ministerial approvals. 

Set to be formally presented following the necessary green-lights being issued, Gallop, who is to act as an observer of the board in the meantime, has been appointed as part of an ongoing process of renewal.

As part of this process, Tabcorp expects to make further announcements in FY20 regarding appointments of additional directors with skills and experience to complement the current board, and in anticipation of pending retirements.

Paula Dwyer, Tabcorp chairman, commented: “David has successfully led two of Australia’s highest profile sporting organisations in the NRL and FFA. He brings to our board a deep understanding of sports administration and the commercial drivers which underpin it. 

“David has extensive experience in media rights negotiations, delivering modern sporting content through digital channels, customer experience and in navigating complex stakeholder relationships at a domestic and international level. We look forward to the perspectives he will bring to the Tabcorp Board.” 

Svenska Spel

Petra Blixt has been appointed as the new head of sales and marketing at the Swedish state-owned gambling operator, after departing as CMO at LeoVegas.

In the new position Blixt is to be responsible for developing digital marketing and sales processes in line with the firm’s overall market strategies.

Fredrik Wastesson, CEO of Svenska Spel, said of the appointment: “ I am very happy to announce Petra Blixt as new sales and marketing manager for the Svenska Spel Sports and Casino. 

“Her knowledge and experience in data-driven marketing and sales will be extremely valuable to us in the work we are now pursuing. I would also like to point out her clear and goal-oriented leadership along with high energy and high implementation force will be important qualities in managing and developing our business.”

Novomatic

Robert van Roosendaal has been promoted into role of key account director for Germany, Iceland, Portugal, France and the Benelux countries at Novomatic.

Initially joining the firm three years ago, the new role comes in line with the internal restructuring process and the continued expansion of market leadership in key European casino markets. 

“With Robert van Roosendaal we have been able to assign this key position – especially in the German and French casino markets – to an expert with extensive sales experience as well as excellent market and product knowledge,” said Jens Einhaus, VP of international sales for Europe and the Americas.

Camelot

The operator of the UK National Lottery, Camelot UK Lotteries, has announced that chief financial officer Clare Swindell has been appointed to its board of directors.

Joining chief executive Nigel Railton as the second executive director to sit on the board, the appointment is lauded as an acknowledgement of the “vital role that she plays in governance arrangements”.

Sir Hugh Robertson, Camelot chairman, commented: “I am delighted to welcome Clare to the Camelot board. Since joining Camelot just over two years ago, Clare’s wide-ranging operational experience – as well as her extensive knowledge of strategic finance and internal control processes – has added great value to the business.

“This appointment recognises Clare’s seniority and contribution, and while her role and responsibilities as CFO will remain unchanged, she will be taking on additional and important statutory duties and obligations. The rest of the board and I very much look forward to working with Clare in this enhanced capacity.”

The post Part 6 | On the move: Recruitment round-up appeared first on CasinoBeats.

In a post on X, Slane wrote that she is Kalshi’s new Head of Corporate Development. She will “help handle” the firm’s “integration demand” from a “staggeringly” long list of companies ready to integrate as brokers with the New York City-based futures exchange firm.

Her new role will also include overseeing Kalshi’s government relations and public affairs matters and liaising with pro-sports leagues.

Slane: Kalshi Growth is ‘Explosive’

Slane oversaw Public Affairs during her five-year stint at the D.C.-based gambling lobbying and promotion association.

She headed the AGA’s public affairs department when the Supreme Court overturned the PASPA (aka the Bradley Act).

This legislation was launched in October 1992. It effectively banned sports betting in most states, except Delaware, Montana, Montana, and Nevada.

However, in May 2018, the Supreme Court repealed the act, ruling that it violated aspects of the Tenth Amendment.

Slane had lobbied for the launch of regulated betting in the pro sports leagues sector. Shortly after, she left to launch a consultancy named Slane Advisory.

Her firm began working with Kalshi “a few months ago,” she wrote on X, adding: “Never in my career have I seen a company with the combination of characteristics that Kalshi has: bold vision, outlier founders, deep commitment to regulatory compliance, and astronomical growth.”

Legal Battles Ahead?

At Kalshi, Slane will look to navigate the firm through legal high waters. Its prediction market is currently battling cease-and-desist orders in multiple US states.

Kalshi says it is prepared to defend itself in the courtroom. It has already launched lawsuits against regulators in Nevada and New Jersey.

The firm’s CEO Tarek Mansour recently claimed that only the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has the power to regulate Kalshi and its prediction market products.

The CFTC is set to complete a review of sports contracts-based betting by the end of next month.

On X, Slane added: “There’s palpable industry excitement about the benefits prediction markets can provide, and I’m thrilled to be working towards a future where all of the operators have prediction markets as part of their product.”

Speaking to Sports Business Journal, Slane explained: “A lot of it right now is just educating everybody, because there’s just so much misinformation out there. It’s hard to crack through some of that. But that’s what they’re hoping I can do.”

The post Former AGA Exec Sara Slane Joins Event-based Prediction Market Player Kalshi appeared first on CasinoBeats.

As reported by the Financial Review, Laurence Escalante, the owner of the group, rejected the notion last week from the AGA that took issue with the regulatory framework around sweepstake casinos. 

Recently writing for Vixio Regulatory Intelligence, the body emphasised that sweepstake casinos are incredibly similar to that of regular casinos. However, in most circumstances, these firms operate under a far less intense regulatory environment.

According to the AGA, sweepstakes avoid regulations and licensing through a dual-currency system, however, they do still ‘look and play like an online casino’. It warned that ‘the ‘opaque nature’ could also significantly elevate the risk of bad actors having an opportunity for illegal activity. 

The AGA stated: “The lack of regulatory oversight presents many risks for consumers as well as the integrity and economic benefits of the legal gaming market through investment and tax contributions. These sweepstakes-based operators have weak (if any) responsible gaming protocols and few, if any, self-exclusion processes.”

However, Escalante cited the importance of the firm’s financial crime controls as being vital when it comes to the sector, as he described them as ‘the best in class’. 

It comes amidst the growth of the appetite for the sector amongst operators and those looking to engage with North American players. 

Speaking at the SBC Summit North America, Mark Balestra, US Special Counsel at Segev LLP, revealed that the group has had ‘overwhelming requests’ from clients to grow into the sweepstake space. 

Nonetheless, whilst ‘a few businesses are thriving’ in Balestra’s view, he added that ‘we are now seeing a flood of industry entrants’. He believes one of the challenges lies in supporting these newcomers in understanding the nuances around legal framework in the sweepstake sector. 

He revealed that there are businesses tapping into sweepstakes as a promotional tool, citing the example of McDonald’s Monopoly as one of the most successful and engaging sweepstake games. 

Placing a closer analysis on the role of social casinos in the market, he added: “There are a number of things that distinguish traditional and non-traditional sweepstakes. 

“When I say non-traditional, I mean the social casino. But the main one is that with traditional sweepstakes, they’re only promotional tools. Whereas with social casinos, they are the primary offering. They are the central profit centre.

“So why do they fall into a grey area? I mean, I’m sure we’ve all heard that it’s not black and white, and it’s a grey area of law where they kind of operate. And this is because the sweepstakes laws were intended to allow businesses to offer these promotions.”

This was also recently echoed by the desires of Catena Media as the group stated it is one of the ‘fastest growing verticals’ in the sector. 

CEO Manuel Stan also outlined that he feels the sector is only going to continue in its trajectory of growth. 

He stated: “Our products are focused on growing the sweeps vertical. I think it’s twofold. Right now, we see that generally overall in the industry being one of the fastest-growing verticals and we capitalise on it. But also, we position ourselves for post-regulation in the bigger states in the US, where we will be able to have built our databases around our brands to capitalise when the likes of California and Texas will be regulating.”

The post VGW’s Laurence Escalante bats back against AGA over sweepstake casino criticism appeared first on CasinoBeats.

In a piece published on the Vixio Regulatory Intelligence, the body drew attention to the fact that sweepstake casinos are incredibly similar to that of regular casinos. However, in most circumstances these firms operate under a far less intense regulatory environment.

According to the AGA, sweepstakes avoid regulations and licensing through a  dual-currency system, however they do still ‘look and play like an online casino’. It warned that ‘the ‘opaque nature’ could also significantly elevate the risk of bad actors having an opportunity for illegal activity. 

The AGA stated: “The lack of regulatory oversight presents many risks for consumers as well as the integrity and economic benefits of the legal gaming market through investment and tax contributions. These sweepstakes-based operators have weak (if any) responsible gaming protocols and few, if any, self-exclusion processes.”

The comments from the AGA intensified pressure on the sweepstake sector after numerous lawsuits placed against Virtual Gaming Worlds, which owns popular sweepstake sites Chumba Casino, Lucklyand and Global Poker.

Nonetheless, in its latest interim update, Catena Media underlined its anticipation that the sector will continue to evolve and grow. 

Catena Media CEO, Manuel Stan, revealed his belief that sweepstakes are the fastest growing vertical for the firm and he believes that they ‘are very well positioned to capitalise on that growth’ of the industry. 

He added: “Our products are focused on growing the sweeps vertical. I think it’s twofold. Right now, we see that generally overall in the industry being one of the fastest-growing verticals and we capitalise on it. 

“But also, we position ourselves for post-regulation in the bigger states in the US, where we will be able to have built our databases around our brands to capitalise when the likes of California and Texas will be regulating.”

The post AGA comments increase the heat on sweepstake casinos  appeared first on CasinoBeats.

The payments provider plans to distribute its cashless payments services to regional betting firms in the US, as operators look to enhance the user experience in the region.

By joining the AGA, OKTO aims to improve the way it engages with local authorities ‘for a secure and responsible gambling ecosystem’. The company added that its membership proves its commitment to responsible gaming practices and digital advancement of the US igaming industry.

 Theo Engelis, OKTO’s Vice President North America, commented: “Joining the AGA allows us to contribute to the advancement of the American gaming landscape.

“OKTO is committed to upholding stringent regulatory standards and collaborating closely with local authorities to deliver innovative, secure, and efficient cashless payment solutions in the American gaming industry.”

The post OKTO looks to enhance US payment journey with the AGA appeared first on CasinoBeats.

The comments come alongside a fresh wave of data being published by the group, which highlights that, of those familiar with such machines, 65 per cent suggest that they are similar to slot machines and are in fact recognisable as games of chance and not skill.

Furthermore, it is also reported that Americans are increasingly concerned of the associated dangers of such unregulated machines, which are also said to be “overwhelmingly” viewed as negative community influences. 

“Unregulated machine manufacturers have built their businesses by duping consumers and small businesses while avoiding taxes, oversight and consumer protections,” Miller said. 

“These results are further evidence that Americans see these machines as a threat that should be eliminated, not regulated.”

Further findings include 71 per cent stating that these lack the player protections that are available to players in casinos, with 64 per cent agreeing that ‘skill’ machines are too easily accessible to children.

In addition, 56 per cent reported that these games increase the risk of crime and endanger employees and customers of businesses where devices are located.

Often found in convenience stores, bars, strip malls and other community establishments, previous AGA research estimated that approximately 580,651 unregulated gambling machines exist in the US, which would account for 40 per cent of all similar offerings nationwide.

“Keeping America’s gaming industry strong, safe and responsible can only be done through the robust infrastructure of the well-established legal market, not by rewarding bad actors with half-measures that fail to address the dangers of unregulated gambling,” it was added.

AGA findings show for every dollar bet by consumers, regulated machines in Nevada keep 7.2 cents on average, while unregulated machines keep 25 cents.

Americans reportedly wager $109bn each year with unregulated ‘skill’ machines according to AGA estimates, at an annual cost of $8.7bn in state taxes and $27bn in legal gaming revenue.

The post Bill Miller, AGA: unregulated skill machines should be eliminated appeared first on CasinoBeats.

This will see Bill Anoatubby, Governor of the Chickasaw Nation, Robert Miodunski, Former CEO of American Gaming Systems; President & CEO of Alliance Gaming and President of Bally Gaming, Jim Murren, Former Chair and CEO of MGM Resorts International and Ellen Whittemore, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Wynn Resorts, be honoured at October’s Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas in an invite-only ceremony.

“This year’s Gaming Hall of Fame class enshrines industry leaders that have positively transformed businesses and communities through their contributions to gaming,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller. 

“From leading casino and supplier operations to advancing industry regulation and tribal gaming, Bill, Ellen, Jim and Robert’s far-reaching impacts on gaming are indelible—and undoubtedly worthy of inclusion in the Hall of Fame.”

The Gaming Hall of Game has been recognising lasting industry impacts since 1989, with the past year welcoming Gavin Isaacs, former President and CEO of Scientific Games Corporation and current Chair of Games Global, Virginia McDowell, former President and CEO of Isle of Capri Casinos and current Non-Executive Director of Entain and Co -Founder of Global Gaming Women, and Michael Rumbolz, former CEO and current Executive Chair of the Board at Everi.

2023’s honourees were selected by an independent panel that comprised Brett Abarbanel, Executive Director of the International Gaming Institute at UNLV, Jim Allen, Chair of Hard Rock International and CEO of Seminole Gaming, Kirsten Clark, Executive Director of the International Association of Gaming Advisors, and John Connelly, CEO of Interblock.

Further committee members included Brian Hansberry, President of Gaming at Delaware North, Bill Lance, Secretary of State of the Chickasaw Nation, Mark Lipparelli, Chair of the International Center for Responsible Gaming, Cassie Stratford, SVP of Legal Operations & Compliance at Boyd Gaming and President and Chair of Global Gaming Women, and Howard Stutz, Senior Reporter at the The Nevada Independent.

The post AGA welcomes Anoatubby, Miodunski, Murren & Whittemore to hall of fame appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Following the publication of a latest data set (at the time of writing), which demonstrated that the industry significantly outpaced expectations through 2022, Miller spoke in depth regarding the fight of an illegal ecosystem that is said to be “firmly entrenched in the US”.

Despite acknowledging progress made thus far, the AGA, which has been, and remains, vociferous when addressing the illegal and unregulated industry, is under no illusions as to the size, and complex nature, of the path that lies ahead.

“Offshore sportsbooks and casino websites have been targeting American consumers for decades and unregulated machines are rampant across the country,” it was explained.

“Our research shows that Americans wager more than half a trillion dollars in the illegal market annually, demonstrating the massive scope of this issue. 

“Eradicating a problem of this magnitude is certainly complex and made even more challenging by the lack of transparency of the illegal marketplace. 

“Even though this is a complicated issue, the AGA is chipping away at the illegal market every day.”

“Before the illegal market expands any further, its incumbent upon all levels of government and law enforcement to take action”

“We’re working with Congress to ensure law enforcement prioritises investigation and prosecutions; engaging state attorneys general and US attorneys on how bad actors flout the law; weighing in with state legislatures to strengthen laws and close loopholes; and working with private sector stakeholders to shut off platforms for illegal gambling operations.” 

The issue, emphasised Miller, is one that affects individuals across all regions of the US, not just those that may have adopted regulated forms of gambling.

“Offshore websites and online sportsbooks disguised as daily fantasy sites are available to anyone with access to the internet, and ‘skill’ machines are available in gas stations, convenience stores and taverns in many states,” Miller reminded.

He added that those actors that occupy a space within the unlawful, illicit ecosystem are increasingly becoming “adept at taking advantage” of both the growth of legal gaming and attracting “unsuspecting customers who believe they are playing legally”

“Before the illegal market expands any further, its incumbent upon all levels of government and law enforcement to take action to eliminate this threat to consumers,” he said.

However, despite refusing to get complacent regarding any perceived level of progress in trying to drive down unlicensed, unauthorised and unsanctioned operators further still, it is suggested that “we’re beginning to see the fruits of our labour”.

“Policymakers and regulators must close loopholes that erode regulations and permit unnecessary consumer risk”

This is due to witnessing what is dubbed as an “impressive migration” of activity away from illegal operators, with Miller citing research that suggests a drop in revenue. 

This, it is added, has seen a one-time $150bn annual illegal sports betting industry, before the invalidation of PASPA, fall to approximately $64bn during the last year.

“But there is still more to be done. This is a fight we are in for the long haul and something that is crucial for the future of the legal gaming industry,” it is reiterated.

Drilling down on this aforementioned point, Miller reminded that every stakeholder within the gaming ecosystem has a part to play in ending illegal activities.

Moreover, after being quizzed on what needs to change, or be maintained, to ensure a consistent eradication of what has previously been described by himself as “a scourge on our society,” a plea to lawmakers was made in helping to lessen the influence on illegal actors.

“Policymakers and regulators must close loopholes that erode regulations and permit unnecessary consumer risk and create competitive regulatory frameworks for the legal market,” Miller continued. 

“Businesses must actively monitor for and remove access to illegal websites and unregulated games. Third parties like payment processors, media and tech companies must stop providing a platform to bad actors to conduct business. 

“…federal, state and local law enforcement must aggressively go after bad actors and enforce the laws already in place”

“And finally, federal, state and local law enforcement must aggressively go after bad actors and enforce the laws already in place. We are encouraged by the recent crackdowns on unregulated machines we’ve seen in places like Michigan, Missouri, South Carolina and others. We’ve also seen law enforcement officials publicly denounce illegal online gambling.”

Citing one particular example in backing up this aforementioned point, Miller turned his attention to that of the National Football League’s Super Bowl showpiece, and action taken ahead of the Grand Canyon State held spectacle.

Here, Attorney General Kris Mayes issued a consumer alert to all interested parties that call on sports fans to only wager utilising legalised betting options, in addition to warning of the myriad of dangers that can go hand-in-hand with ignoring such a plea.

Among the tips offered by Mayers regarding online sports bets in Arizona, was an urge to observe a Arizona Department of Gaming list of approved operators as well as a rundown of approved events and wagers.

It was also reminded that many illegal sportsbook companies are outside the US, and could leave consumers with no possible course of action in the event of a dispute, and that if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

“Eradicating a problem of this magnitude is certainly complex and made even more challenging by the lack of transparency”

Mayes also elaborated on what illegal offerings could lack, which included key facets of an operation such as testing to ensure compliance with regulatory standards designed to guarantee fair play, oversight to ensure consumers are paid their winnings, security standards to protect personal and financial information and compliance with anti-money laundering law.

Amid such a high profile plea to all football fans to use only legal sports betting, the AGA acknowledged much hope of witnessing an increase in similar such law enforcement action in the space moving forward.

“Even without convictions of these operators, action from all these stakeholders can go a long way toward educating the public about the dangers of unregulated gambling and putting everyone on notice that it’s not okay to support the illegal market in any way,” he said.

Earlier in the year, it was revealed that US commercial gaming revenue toppled the $60bn barrier for the first time, and in the process smashed a previous record of $53bn that was set one year earlier.

According to the AGA’s commercial gaming revenue tracker, the $60.4bn figure was aided by an “all-time high” quarterly revenue of almost $15.9bn that was gained through Q4.

“It would be unheard of in any other industry for nearly half of a market to be captured by illegal or unregulated operators”

Sports betting and igaming each marked single quarter highs, with traditional gaming growing 1.7 per cent year-on-year.

Retail gaming comprised 80.5 per cent of the overall figure, with online gaming soaring to a best performance by accounting for the remaining 19.5 per cent. 

With US commercial gaming soaring above the highs previously experienced, Miller looked at how much these figures could potentially soar amid a seemingly declining impact and influence of illegal options.

“AGA research indicates that illegal gambling cost the regulated industry more than $44bn in gaming revenue last year,” he explained.

“With combined commercial and tribal gaming revenue set to hit $100bn in 2022 when tribal numbers are reported, this means that illegal gambling revenue equates to nearly half the amount generated by legal operators. 

“It would be unheard of in any other industry for nearly half of a market to be captured by illegal or unregulated operators. And we’re not going to let it stand here.

“However, this is about more than how unregulated gambling impacts the legal industry’s bottom line. 

“When the legal gaming industry does well, our communities thrive and state and tribal budgets grow”

“Illegal gambling with offshore websites, bookies and unregulated machines costs communities an estimated $13.3bn in taxes annually. States could more than double their gaming tax revenue – which stood at $11.7bn in 2021 – by addressing the illegal market.”

As the conversation drew to a close, Miller concluded by looking at what major highlights will be reflected upon across US commercial gaming in twelve months time. 

He explained: “Illegal and unregulated gambling is a major threat to our industry and combating it will continue to be a top priority for the AGA throughout 2023. 

“When the legal gaming industry does well, our communities thrive and state and tribal budgets grow, unlike illegal operators that only pad their own pockets. We are leaving no stone unturned when it comes to this fight. 

“Beyond combating the illegal market, I am optimistic that 2023 will be another strong year for the commercial gaming industry, building on the record $60bn in revenue last year. 

“Casino gaming has shown impressive resiliency and sustained consumer demand in the face of recent economic uncertainty. Even though macroeconomic concerns remain, we are confident in the strength of our industry as we navigate 2023. 

“Lastly, we are expecting 2023 to bring new ways for our industry to raise the bar on responsible gaming. We’ve seen major strides in this area in recent years, but there’s always more we can do. 

“The AGA is doing our part by convening the industry, regulators, advocates and key stakeholders in a discussion around evolving responsible gaming for the modern era of gaming. 

“Responsibility is the core of the US gaming industry and ensuring we do not become stagnant in this area is key to ensuring our industry’s long-term success.”

The post AGA’s Bill Miller on eradicating ‘a major threat to our industry’ appeared first on CasinoBeats.

Speaking to SBC Leaders Magazine earlier this year, Cait DeBaun, American Gaming Association’s VP of Strategic Communications & Responsibility, explains why the nascent US sports betting market expands the scope for the AGA’s Have A Game Plan initiative.

Sports betting is seemingly an ever-expanding market – especially in the US. At the time of writing, 35 states have already legalised sports wagering. With legislation being debated in several other states, the rise of sports betting is set to continue well into 2023 and beyond. 

As with most business expansions, such growth poses almost as many challenges as it does opportunities. In the case of gambling, particularly in the online space, the primary challenge is that of player safety. Due to greater accessibility and ease of use of apps, responsible gambling charities have raised concerns over the potential risk to problem gamblers.

Overseeing the US gambling industry is the American Gaming Association, which in 2019 launched its Have a Game Plan Campaign to promote safer gambling tools to players via operator partnerships and bettor education.

So as more states introduce legal sports betting, DeBaun acknowledged that the AGA’s remit to responsible gambling is forever expanding, with the campaign educating players on safer gambling measures.

“Thinking back to the 2018 decision around PASPA, the AGA recognised that responsible gaming and our responsibility broadly is something we’ve done for decades. It’s not new to the industry. It’s something we’ve built in the brick and mortar space. As you know, our remit was expanding as we grew a legal market state by state. Responsibility was our top priority.”

Have A Game Plan, DeBaun outlined, is a multi-faceted campaign that looks outwardly at consumers, operators and other key stakeholders to encourage responsible gambling. Sports leagues, teams and media all bear ‘responsibility for responsibility’, she advised. 

“We’re nearing 30 partners that have reflected those various groups and the way that Have A Game Plan reaches customers is through our partners’ channels,” DeBaun added. “They know their customers and their fans the best so we wanted to empower them with a responsible gaming message that they could deliver in a compelling way that was authentic for their brands and voices.”

The Association’s Comms lead detailed that RG measures are woven into the fabric of the industry to build a long-term, sustainable market on top of key priorities such as player safety. 

US industry leaders are constantly looking towards more mature markets, particularly in Europe, to seek long-term sustainability. But DeBaun asserted that players should be ‘empowered’ and trusted to set safety limits through education rather than be forced through mandatory hard checks. 

She continued: “We saw an opportunity and it’s in part consumer education and partly to bolster the reputation and show that everyone here is taking responsible gaming seriously. It’s not just the right thing to do. It’s a business obligation that our players and fans engage responsibly; this is entertainment for adults and we want to make sure that, as new fans are exposed to sports betting or igaming, they’re doing so in a responsible way because our goal is to build a long term sustainable market.”

Paramount to implementing effective RG measures is the research that underpins all policy decisions. DeBaun asserted that research is key to all the AGA’s Have A Game Plan decision making process, with funding and grants provided to institutions dedicated to RG academia.

In November last year, the International Centre for Responsible Gaming – an organisation born out of the AGA – awarded a three-year grant of over $400,000 to Bowling Green State University to conduct a nationwide study into the behavioural patterns of sports bettors in the US. One key aim of the study is to ‘identify risk factors for problematic sports-wagering behaviours’.

DeBaun noted that the AGA and its partners welcome the ICRC’s work to ensure the best standard of research in the field, adding: “Our role as an industry is to test our products, understand our market and our players and we want to leave that research on effectiveness and impact to those who are better suited in terms of academic rigour to research.”

Central to many plans around responsible gaming strategies is the monitoring and scrutiny of operators’ marketing output. Advertising is often cited as a key stimulant of problem gambling and an area for improvement with regard to RG. 

The National Council on Problem Gambling even ensured that advertising limitations were inked into the sports betting legislation in Kansas, with advertisers mandated to avoid ads targeting minors, limiting the form, content, quantity, timing, and location of advertisements and providing toll-free problem gambling helplines in ads.

Mirroring these views, DeBaun acknowledged that advertising poses significant threats to players, especially during busy periods of the sporting year such as the NFL kick-off; however, underscored the importance of advertising in bringing players to the legal markets.

“We’re very conscious of questions around advertising saturation, and a big part of that for us is getting players to the legal market. In the US there is a rampant offshore sports betting market and advertising plays a key role in bringing customers into the legal market. 

“We’re currently planning what that’s going to look like in terms of Have A Game Plan activation, but we want to make sure that along with the advertising for your favourite sports book, you’re also getting some education around what is sports betting and how to do so responsibly.”

Moving the conversation toward specific RG measures, the topic of harder checks in terms of player affordability has been at the centre of debate in the UK. Whilst finding such measures ‘interesting’ the AGA maintains that its recommendations and consumer education are born out of research findings rather than ‘arbitrary measures that sound good on paper’.

DeBaun insisted that all safety measures come from research and market needs, developed by how players interact and engage with different wagering products, whether it is casino, igaming or sports betting. 

“Something that’s interesting is that a lot of it is unclear as to what’s effective and what’s not. So if you think of the casino experience, the ATM is placed a certain distance away from the casino floor, but there’s no evidence to say that’s why we do this. It just sounded like a good idea on the regulatory front. 

“We’re interested in understanding what tools work best and providing customers with resources to create a healthy, entertaining experience with sports betting, igaming or any kind of casino gambling. I think that we want to see how our players are interacting with our product and involve evolving and evolving that based on the market needs.”

Ostensibly, Have A Game Plan’s key purpose is to educate players on the key methods to avoid negative wagering habits and the tools available to provide support. As well as providing year-round resources on setting budgets, being aware of odds and encouraging fun play in the legal market, the AGA also engages in more broad campaigns such as Responsible Gaming Education Month. 

RGEM takes place in September this year – coinciding with the NFL kick-off – and was expanded from a week to a month to reinforce AGA and its partners’ commitment to responsibility.

The month makes up just one part of the AGA’s plans for the rest of 2022, which aims to raise the standards of RG across the US to ensure that players are equipped with the tools to avoid slipping into problem gambling. 

Summarising some of the AGA and the Have A Game Plan campaign’s plans and aims for the rest of 2022, DeBaun concluded: “Broadly for Have A Game Plan, it’s a rising tide that lifts all boats, so we want to continue to expand the partners we have engaged with the campaign so we can reach more fans about responsible gaming education. We are evolving the tools and resources we have available for our partners.”

The post Cait DeBaun, AGA: prioritising player safety in an ever-expanding market appeared first on CasinoBeats.

According to the group’s commercial gaming revenue tracker, the $60.4bn figure was aided by an “all-time high” quarterly revenue of almost $15.9bn that was gained through the year’s final quarter.

Sports betting and igaming each marked single quarter highs, with traditional gaming growing 1.7 per cent year-on-year.

Retail gaming comprised 80.5 per cent of the overall figure, with online gaming soaring to a best performance by accounting for the remaining 19.5 per cent. 

Through the year, the Las Vegas Strip and Atlantic City retained their leading commercial market status’, with Baltimore-Washington DC reclaiming third. Chicagoland and the Mississippi Gulf Coast rounded off the top five.

“Our industry significantly outpaced expectations in 2022,” said Bill Miller, AGA President and CEO. 

“Simply put, American adults are choosing casino gaming for entertainment in record numbers, benefiting communities, and taking market share from the predatory, illegal marketplace.”

Across traditional gaming, 84 million American adults, or 34 per cent of the population, visited a casino during the reporting period.

Table game revenue experienced a strong boost in demand, up 13.9 per cent year-over-year, while slot machines secured a 5.1 per cent annual uptick.

Revenue across online casino soared 35.2 per cent YoY to $5bn, with continued sports betting growth driving records for handle ($93.2bn) and revenue ($7.5bn)

“Even as we navigate macroeconomic headwinds, I am optimistic about the year ahead,” continued Miller. 

“To carry our momentum into 2023, the AGA remains focused on combating the illegal market, doubling down on responsibility, and creating favourable policy and regulatory conditions that enable our industry’s sustained success.”

The post Bill Miller, AGA: industry significantly outpaced expectations in 2022 appeared first on CasinoBeats.