Gaming Industry Increases Responsible Gaming Investment by 72% Since 2017

Recent research from the American Gaming Association (AGA) has revealed a substantial increase in responsible gaming (RG) investments by companies in the gaming industry. The latest figures show that annual spending on responsible gaming initiatives has reached $471.8 million, marking a 72% rise from the $275 million spent in 2017. This research, conducted by a leading international ing firm, highlights the gaming sector’s growing devotion to fostering a safer and more informed gambling environment.

Key Areas of Increased Responsible Gaming Investment

The industry’s responsible gaming investments are spread across several critical areas, each aimed at addressing different facets of gambling-related issues. These include:

• Customer Service Interactions: $135.4 million
• Developing and Maintaining Responsible Gaming Programs: $122.4 million
• Consumer-Facing Responsible Gaming Education: $107.7 million
• Responsible Gaming Research and for Non-Profit Organizations: $31.8 million
• Problem Gambling Services: $26.1 million

This comprehensive approach reflects the industry’s focus on a multi-dimensional strategy to ensure that both prevention and intervention are covered.

Joe Maloney, Senior Vice President of Strategic Communications at the AGA, emphasized the industry’s proactive role in responsible gaming efforts. “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,” said Maloney.

The increased investment in responsible gaming is noteworthy, particularly as the gaming industry continues to expand in the United States. The AGA’s research underscores the fact that responsible gaming spending has outpaced overall gaming revenue growth over the past seven years. The rise in RG spending is attributed to both an increase in public awareness and the growth of legal sports betting and online casinos since the 2018 repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), which allowed states to regulate sports betting and related online gambling activities.

The industry’s enhanced focus on responsible gaming comes during Responsible Gaming Education Month (RGEM) 2024. Throughout the month, gaming companies and stakeholders have actively promoted responsible gaming through various events and announcements. As part of these efforts, the AGA introduced a new tool—the Responsible Gaming Intervention Effectiveness Scale—which provides a research-based framework for evaluating the effectiveness of responsible gaming messaging. The scale is expected to assist both academics and industry professionals in enhancing their responsible gaming efforts.

Continued Commitment to Responsible Gaming Initiatives

The AGA remains committed to leading the industry’s responsible gaming efforts, with Maloney noting the positive impact of initiatives like RGEM. “Our industry’s commitment to responsibility once again made RGEM a resounding success,” Maloney said. He further emphasized that the work done during this month of education and advocacy would serve as a foundation for ongoing progress in the realm of responsible gaming.

The gaming industry has long been recognized for contributing significant tax revenue to fund responsible gaming and problem gambling initiatives. In many legal gambling jurisdictions across the U.S., a portion of gaming tax revenue is earmarked for these programs. These funds are utilized in various ways, from public education campaigns to treatment services for problem gamblers.

Despite the growth in state-level programs, there is also a push for a national framework to standardize responsible gaming initiatives. Two federal bills—the SAFE Bet Act introduced by Representative Paul Tonko and Senator Richard Blumenthal, and the GRIT Act filed earlier this year—seek to establish federal oversight in responsible gaming. These bills propose directing existing federal gambling excise taxes towards responsible gaming and problem gambling initiatives, as well as setting regulations for advertising and other key issues related to responsible gaming.

The introduction of these federal bills underscores the increasing attention being paid to responsible gaming at the national level. The SAFE Bet Act and GRIT Act are both aimed at ensuring that a portion of federal gambling taxes is directed toward responsible gaming programs and research. These legislative efforts come as the industry continues to evolve, with more states legalizing sports betting and online gambling. Currently, each state sets its own standards for responsible gaming, but federal regulations could help create a more consistent approach across jurisdictions.

The continued expansion of online gambling and sports betting in the U.S. has put responsible gaming at the forefront of industry discussions. By investing in responsible gaming initiatives, companies are not only complying with regulatory requirements but also enhancing their reputations as responsible operators. The AGA’s findings highlight the industry’s dedication to maintaining a safe gambling environment and ensuring that consumers are equipped with the tools and resources needed to gamble responsibly.

Source:

”Industry Investments in Responsible Gaming Reach New High of $472 Million Annually, AGA Study Shows”, americangaming.org, September 2026.