iGaming Operators in Michigan are Founding the Responsible Online Gaming Association

Seven of the largest U.S. online casinos, including the trio of top-performing Michigan operators BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel, have joined forces to establish the Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA). 

The organization will function as an independent trade association on a mission to promote responsible gaming with the guidance of experts in the field. Aside from the three aforementioned Michigan casinos online, the remaining founding partners in the ROGA are Fanatics Betting and Gaming, Hard Rock Digital, bet365, and PENN Entertainment. 

The seven founding members have pledged over $20 million to fund the project for the ROGA in its initial year. And the effort is entrusted to the leadership of Dr. Jennifer Shatley, a responsible gaming executive with over two decades of experience in the iGaming industry. 

Shatley will be the full-time Executive Director of the Responsible Online Gaming Association, focusing on initiatives for responsible gaming education and awareness, academic research, and the development of an independent certification program. According to ROGA officials, Dr. Shatley will retain her position as president of the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling and membership in the National Council on Problem Gambling.

Objectives of The Responsible Online Gaming Association

ROGA's mission will be to strive to create a meaningful impact on responsible gaming. The organization plans to promote the implementation of responsible gambling practices across the industry. This will be accomplished by using ROGA to increase awareness among players and operators with educational programs and encourage responsible online gambling advertising.

Funding academic research concerning gaming-related issues is another objective of the association. The project will attempt to measure the proficiency of responsible gambling measures and their influence in the industry to promote sustainable play.

In tandem with the research, the founding members of ROGA will launch a database that functions as an independent clearinghouse to share information and create a mechanism to protect players. The association will also look inward and, via an independent certification program, evaluate members' efforts to provide responsible gambling policies.

Increased Efforts in Michigan 

According to the conclusions of the 16th Gambling Disorder Symposium hosted by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services this month, there is still a need for improved awareness in the Great Lakes State regarding issues related to problem gambling. Although resources are available to players, a study conducted by Michigan University last year signaled a lack of gambling education among students. 

Michigan operators BetMGM, FanDuel, and DraftKings control 70% of the Wolverine State iGaming market and have a significant national presence. These Michigan sportsbooks are making concrete efforts to foster a safe gaming environment and promote the responsible use of promotions and betting limits. 

FanDuel launched an independent pilot program for problem gambling in Ohio and New Jersey this March. Estimates from the National Council on Problem Gambling indicate that two million Americans can be classified as problem gamblers.