| Washington, DC – December
2024 / NewsmakerAlert: The
American Gaming Association
(AGA) announces the expansion of its Have A Game Plan.® Bet
Responsibly.™ public service campaign with the introduction of a fifth
pillar: “Keep Your Cool.” This new pillar reinforces the campaign’s
mission to promote responsible sports wagering by emphasizing athlete harassment
is never appropriate.
The
announcement comes as data highlights the growing effectiveness of responsible
gaming programs across the country. According to recent
research, 66% of Americans believe the gaming industry’s responsible
gaming initiatives are effective, up from 59% in 2023. Among those
who actively participate in gaming, 79% of physical casino players and
85% of sports bettors agree these programs are working, including an
impressive 73% of young bettors aged 18-24.
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“Responsible
gaming efforts like Have A
Game Plan and other proactive efforts by legal operators are resonating
with consumers and making a difference,” said Bill
Miller, President and CEO of the AGA. “‘Keep Your Cool’ builds on this
momentum by reminding bettors that a betting result – good or bad – is
not an invitation to criticize a team, official, or athlete.”
Since
its launch in 2019, Have A Game Plan.® Bet Responsibly.™
has educated bettors through four foundational pillars:
-
Set
a Budget: Establish and stick to a financial limit.
-
Keep
It Social: Bet responsibly as part of a shared activity.
-
Know
the Odds: Know the terminology and understand risks before placing
bets.
-
Play
Legally: Use regulated, legal betting platforms.
The new
“Keep Your Cool” pillar complements these principles by promoting
sportsmanship and emphasizing the social aspects of sports betting:
-
Respect
the Game: Winning and losing are part of sports betting, nobody is
perfect; the result of a bet should not prompt negative actions – in person
or online – towards athletes and officials.
-
Stay
Focused on Having Fun: Sports betting is entertainment.
NASCAR,
an early supporter of Have A Game Plan®, underscored the importance
of the new pillar. “At NASCAR, we believe responsible gaming enhances the
overall fan experience,” said Joe
Solosky, Managing Director of Sports Betting at NASCAR. “‘Keep Your
Cool’ reflects our shared commitment to encouraging fans to bet responsibly
while maintaining a respectful approach to the sport they love.”
With
responsible gaming messaging resonating stronger than ever, Have A Game
Plan.® Bet Responsibly.™ continues to foster a more enjoyable
betting environment for fans. For more information on the campaign and
responsible gaming resources, visit www.HaveAGamePlan.org.
About
Have A Game Plan.® Bet Responsibly.™
Have
a Game Plan.® Bet Responsibly.™ is a national initiative
designed to educate sports fans on the fundamentals of responsible sports
betting. Launched in 2019, the campaign encourages bettors to set a budget,
keep betting social, understand the odds, play with trusted and licensed
operators, and keep your cool. Supported by sports leagues, teams, media
companies, and gaming operators from across the country, Have A Game
Plan® reflects the industry’s commitment to responsible gaming
and fostering a positive gambling environment. Learn more at www.HaveAGamePlan.org.
About
American Gaming Association
As
the national trade group representing the U.S. casino industry, the American
Gaming Association (AGA) fosters a policy and business environment
where legal, regulated gaming thrives. The AGA’s diverse membership of
commercial and tribal casino operators, sports betting and iGaming companies,
gaming suppliers, and more lead the $329?billion industry and support 1.8
million jobs across the country. Visit www.AmericanGaming.org
for more information.
Media
Contact
Dara
Cohen
Senior
Director,
Strategic
Communications & Media Relations
202-552-2675
LinkedIn |
