AGA Launches Keep Your Cool for Responsible Gambling
### Key Takeaways
The American Gaming Association (AGA) is expanding its “Have A Game Plan” campaign with a new focus called “Keep Your Cool.” The goal is to promote responsible gambling behavior and encourage respectful conduct towards athletes, referees, and teams. According to a recent AGA study, 66% of Americans support the gambling industry’s efforts to promote responsible gaming—an increase compared to the previous year. Young adults aged 18 to 24 show particularly high levels of approval.
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New Pillar for Responsible Gambling: “Keep Your Cool”
With the introduction of the fifth pillar, “Keep Your Cool,” the AGA is enhancing its “Have A Game Plan” initiative. This new component emphasizes that negative reactions to betting losses, such as insults or harassment of athletes and officials, are unacceptable. The goal is to create a respectful environment for everyone involved in sports betting.
Bill Miller, President and CEO of the AGA, stated: “‘Keep Your Cool’ builds on our previous successes and serves as a reminder that a betting outcome—whether positive or negative—is no justification for criticism of teams, officials, or athletes.”
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Positive Reception of Responsible Gambling Efforts
Support for responsible gambling initiatives continues to grow. According to a recent AGA study, 66% of Americans consider these efforts effective, compared to 59% in 2023. Support is particularly strong among active players:
– 79% of visitors to physical casinos support the programs.
– 85% of sports bettors back the measures.
– Young adults aged 18 to 24 also show significant approval, with 73% in favor.
These figures highlight that the industry is making progress in embedding responsible gambling practices in the public consciousness.
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A Safe and Respectful Betting Market
The expansion of the campaign underscores the gambling industry’s commitment to promoting not only responsible gambling but also respectful behavior. By combining education on responsible betting with an emphasis on respect, the AGA is setting new standards for sports betting in the U.S. The aim is to create a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone involved—from bettors to athletes.
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Our Assessment
The addition of “Keep Your Cool” to the “Have A Game Plan” campaign is an important step in fostering both responsible gambling and respectful behavior in the betting space. Especially at a time when sports betting is becoming increasingly popular, it is crucial to establish clear codes of conduct. The positive feedback from players, particularly younger generations, shows that the AGA’s efforts are resonating. This initiative could serve as a model for other markets looking to address similar challenges in promoting responsible gambling practices.