During the inaugural Responsible Gaming Education Month, which is designed to stimulate gaming literacy and consumer education, Major League Baseball (MLB) announced a new partnership with the American Gaming Association (AGA) public service campaign Have a Game Plan. Bet Responsibly to educate fans and broaden the league’s responsible gaming efforts. In addition, MLB expanded its bond with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), with the league now serving as a Platinum Member and a part of the group’s Leadership Circle.
As Have a Game Plan partners, MLB will run responsible sports betting public service announcements across select MLB broadcast and digital media channels starting with the 2022 Postseason. The league will also extend campaign partnership opportunities to all 30 MLB clubs. The AGA will provide MLB with counsel and expertise to deepen league-wide responsible gaming knowledge through benchmarking and annual trainings on best practices.
Moreover, MLB was the first professional sports league to join as a member of NCPG in 2005. Now, as a Platinum Member and part of the organization’s Leadership Circle, MLB will work closely with NCPG Executive Director Keith Whyte’s team on various initiatives related to problem gambling and promotes the NCPG’s National Problem Gambling Helpline across all of MLB’s media platforms.
About this issue, Whyte said: “We applaud MLB’s ongoing commitment to addressing problem gambling and look forward to their expanded efforts to support responsible gambling education to fans and families across the country. If gambling becomes a problem, knowing the resources for help is crucial, MLB’s extensive reach will make a significant impact in raising awareness of the National Problem Gambling Helpline and the resources available for treatment.”
For his part, Kenny Gersh, MLB Executive Vice President, Business Development, indicated: “As legalized wagering continues to grow across the country, MLB is committed to ensuring that fans who choose to wager also have the tools and resources necessary to bet responsibly. With the expertise and additional resources of the AGA and NCPG, we’ll be able to expand our responsible gaming efforts further, driving new education, awareness and support service initiatives that will help keep sports betting safe, fun and entertaining for all those who participate.”
Finally, Casey Clark, Senior Vice President, AGA, stressed: “Welcoming Major League Baseball as a Have a Game Plan partner is a milestone for the campaign and responsible gaming efforts nationwide. MLB understands that, as legal sports betting grows, so does our collective commitment to responsibility. This partnership will have a meaningful impact, teaching fans across the country the fundamentals of responsible wagering.”