IC360 Publishes Advice Amid Responsible Gaming Education Month

A main focus for the American Gaming Association, our best sports betting sites, and many companies tangential to the sports betting space at the beginning of September is the promotion of responsible gaming.

That's because September is recognized as Responsible Gaming Education Month (RGEM) across the United States. To commemorate the occasion, sports betting integrity company Integrity Compliance 360 (IC360) has published some advice to help people ensure their loved ones gamble responsibly. 

Of course, September also marks the beginning of the 2024-25 NFL season, with the Baltimore Ravens visiting Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday, Sept. 5, to get the action underway.

Advice

The article from IC360, “Gambling as Entertainment: 3 Key Ways to Support Responsible Habits in Your Loved Ones,” advises open communication, setting boundaries, and promoting alternative activities.

“If you notice troubling behavior, it's important to identify available resources and address it directly and early,” it said in the release. “Your support can make a significant difference in preventing gambling from becoming a problem.”

In the article, Dan Trolaro, Co-Managing Director of Education and Training at IC360, highlights the importance of openly discussing gambling and its risks. The article suggests allowing a loved one to express their feelings about gambling and to listen without interrupting, adding that having the conversation early and often can help reduce any stigma associated with gambling.

Further guidance

The second top tip presented in the article is encouraging individuals to set limits, such as deposit, wager, and time limits. Many of the best sportsbooks offer these tools. IC360 also recommends reminding loved ones about these limits and providing positive encouragement when they adhere to them.

“Helping them create a budget or a time management plan is the key to ensuring that gambling remains a form of entertainment not impacting the individual’s emotional, relational, mental or financial wellbeing,” the article said.

Lastly, the release recommends suggesting alternative hobbies to loved ones to help break the activity cycle. Examples mentioned in the article include playing sports, socializing, and reading. 

About RGEM

The American Gaming Association (AGA) created the campaign in 1998 as Responsible Gaming Education Week (RGEW), which the company extended into a month-long initiative in 2022. 

“Together, we can promote gaming literacy and consumer education, elevate employee training, and work with partners to advance our understanding of responsible gambling,” says the AGA website.

While the month has just begun, several other gambling organizations, including BetMGM, Hard Rock Bet, and Bally Bet, have already tried to recognize the occasion. Earlier this week, Hard Rock Bet published a press release sharing four essential tools to help bettors wager responsibly, featuring demo videos on using each tool. 

 “Let’s make this September all about safe and responsible gaming!” read the press release.

BetMGM and MGM Resorts International are again launching GameSense messaging across NFL stadiums during game days. Last year, the two companies were among the first to promote responsible gaming within stadiums. 

"We are setting a new standard for safety and awareness in the industry. At BetMGM, we believe that protecting our players and promoting responsible play is essential to the future of sports betting,” commented BetMGM’s Chief Compliance Officer, Rhea Loney.