The Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA) and the Responsible Gaming Council (RGC) are teaming up on a vendor certification program. It will lay the foundation for an independent, industry-wide framework to advance responsible gaming. The ROGA shared details of the new partnership via a press release.
Regarding what the program entails, DraftKings, FanDuel, and other online gaming operators will have access to an independent validation of operator performance. The program will address several important topics that include:
ROGA executive director Dr. Jennifer Shatley said this partnership will advance the mission by building a trusted and independent assessment to certify robust responsible gaming standards.
“Our members are committed to long-term progress, and with the RGC’s support, this program will serve as a clear signal that the industry is backing that commitment with actions that will allow players to make informed decisions about the platforms they use,” Shatley said.
The vendor certification program will give online gaming operators a structured, data-driven approach to evaluating practices in several important areas. Self-exclusion, marketing, staff training, and player support tools are among the major topics.
The RGC has been around for 40-plus years, compared to just over one year for the ROGA. The RGC continues to be a global leader in addressing player protection, prevention, and responsible gaming solutions.
“We are proud to work with the ROGA in setting a new benchmark for responsible gaming in the online space,” Sarah McCarthy, CEO of the RGC said. “The new certification program will build on years of evidence-based work and experience building RG Check as a trusted standard. “By working together, we are creating a more transparent, accountable, and player-focused industry.”
No date has been announced regarding when the vendor certification program will be ready. Currently, the organizations are getting ready to begin the development of the certification framework. The program is set to assess all ROGA members upon completion. Additional info, including how non-members can participate will be shared at a later date.
This is not the first time the RGC and ROGA have collaborated. They also worked together on the Know Your Play college education campaign. The organizations have conducted joint research on how to increase engagement with responsible gaming tools.
It just so happens September is Responsible Gaming Education Month. While the vendor certification tool remains a work in progress, online sportsbooks are stepping up the RG focus this month.
It also coincides with the start of a new NFL season, with NFL Week 1 being one of the busiest for sports bettors and operators. Additionally, online sportsbooks like BetMGM and DraftKings are using Responsible Gaming Education Month to promote their latest RG initiatives.
The ROGA launched in March 2024, with eight of the country’s largest online gaming operators coming together. The companies joined forces and made an initial $20 million investment to promote responsible online gaming.
FanDuel, DraftKings, Bally’s, bet365, Fanatics, Hard Rock Digital, BetMGM, and Penn Entertainment make up the current membership. These companies represent 90% of the legal U.S. sports betting industry by handle.
