Operator News
US – AGA releases new code of conduct
By Phil - 3 August 2017
A new industry Code of Conduct on responsible gaming has been released by the American Gaming Association (AGA) as further demonstration of the industry’s commitment to protecting players and regularly seeking opportunities for improvement. The Code was announced during a responsible gaming roundtable event at Stockton University.
The event, part of the industry’s Responsible Gaming Education Week, is the first of two put on by the AGA this week. The second event will take place at the UNLV International Gaming Institute on Thursday in Las Vegas.
“AGA is committed to leading the effort to ensure our customers enjoy the casino gaming industry responsibly,” said Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of AGA. “Our updated Code of Conduct will ensure our members and their employees have the tools needed to ensure a safe, responsible experience for all customers.”
To highlight the 20th anniversary of the industry’s Responsible Gaming Education Week, gaming operators and manufacturers across the United States will commemorate the industry’s responsible gaming efforts by holding dozens of local events and responsible gaming educational activities this week.
AGA’s event at Stockton University brought together industry stakeholders including David Rebuck, Director of the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement; Dean Hestermann, Corporate Director for Issue Management at Caesars Entertainment; Patrick Harris of MGM Resorts International; and Russell Sanna, Executive Director of the National Center for Responsible Gaming (NCRG).
AGA’s Code of Conduct seeks to increase industry efforts and build a greater cohesive dialogue among industry stakeholders on responsible gaming. The Code is now applicable to all forms of gaming – land based, mobile and interactive. In the past, it was primarily applicable to land-based gaming only. The Code also includes new consumer protection measures, including enhanced transparency around casino game’s odds and payouts, enhanced transparency in advertising and ensuring that advertising or marketing will not misrepresent the probability of winning.
“Responsible gaming practices are for everyone involved with gaming,” said Russell Sanna, Executive Director for the National Center for Responsible Gaming. “Our collective efforts to constantly improve responsible gaming will provide for a healthy industry that benefits local communities and our nation.”
The gaming industry’s ongoing responsible gaming initiatives include research into effective treatment and prevention methods, the development and distribution of educational materials and comprehensive employee training. Additionally, materials and toll-free helpline numbers are placed throughout casino properties to give patrons an open channel for more information about responsible gaming.
The gaming industry invites the public and policymakers to join industry-wide responsible gaming events this week and throughout the year.
