New document from the American Gaming Association (AGA) has revealed a significant increase in responsible gaming (RenG) investments from gaming industry companies, with total spending reaching USD 471.8 million annually, up from approximately USD 275 million (+72%) in 2017.
Conducted from July to September 2024 by a major international accounting firm, the research demonstrates a surge in industry-wide RG spending that has grown at a faster rate than gaming revenue over the past seven years. The results are based on a survey of AGA members representing the breadth of the casino gaming sector, including casino operators, gaming equipment suppliers and iGaming and/or sportsbook operators. Data collected from the sample of survey respondents was extrapolated into an industry-wide estimate based on reported revenues for the fiscal/calendar year 2023.
Several key program areas are seeing significant spending commitments as the industry expands, including the following:
a) Customer Service Interactions: USD 135.4 million.
b) Developing and Maintaining Responsible Gaming Programs: USD 122.4 million.
c) Consumer-Facing Responsible Gaming Education: USD 107.7 million.
d) Responsible Gaming Research and Other Non-Profit RG Organizations: USD 31.8 million.
e) Problem Gambling Supportive Services: USD 26.1 million.
The new AGA study comes during 2024 Responsible Gaming Education Month (RGEM), an initiative in which industry stakeholders have demonstrated their commitments to responsible gaming through an array of activations and announcements. Earlier this September, the AGA released a first-of-its-kind Responsible Gaming Intervention Effectiveness Scale to provide academics, industry members and more with a research-based tool to evaluate responsible gaming messages.
Joe Maloney, Senior Vice President, Strategic Communications at AGA, stated: “This impactful rise in RG spending demonstrates the legal industry’s dedication to fostering a safe and informed gaming environment. 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.”
Moreover, he said: “Our industry’s commitment to responsibility once again made RGEM a resounding success. We look forward to seeing the work done throughout this past month provide a springboard for continued advancements in responsible gaming in the months and years to come.”