The Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA) has unveiled a set of 11 recommended practices aimed at enhancing responsible online gambling through operator VIP programs.
ROGA, an independent entity representing 90% of the legal US sports betting market by handle, believes these guidelines can aid in maintaining a balanced and enjoyable gaming experience for players.
### ROGA: 11 Key Recommendations for VIP Programs
Based on research, ROGA contends that the most impactful VIP programs are those that encompass proactive education, personalized engagement, and regular evaluations. The association has suggested 11 recommendations that some operators are already employing:
– **Role-specific training** tailored for VIP hosts to meet their unique needs.
– **Automated review technology** to detect potentially risky behavioral patterns among VIP players.
– **Escalation process implementation** allowing operators to escalate cases if a VIP member shows signs of problem gambling, with a responsible gaming specialist then taking appropriate action.
– **Integrating responsible gambling** messages into VIP communications.
– **Establishing a VIP engagement protocol** between hosts and players.
– **Discouraging VIP hosts** from offering incentives and perks to players who are self-excluded, cooling-off, or have suspended their accounts.
– **Providing access** for VIP players to their data, including activity, wagers, and withdrawals.
– **Requiring VIP players** to confirm their understanding of available responsible gaming tools.
– **Offering regular, responsible gaming education** to VIP players.
– **Conducting annual reviews** of the VIP program.
– **Staying continuously informed** about new responsible gaming tools.
### Building on the “Know Your Play” Campaign
The release of these guidelines follows ROGA’s recent “Know Your Play” campaign, developed in collaboration with EPIC Global Solutions, Kindbridge Behavioral Health, and the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC). This initiative focuses on providing college-aged students with information about responsible gambling, mental health and well-being, and financial literacy.
Components of the Know Your Play campaign include:
– **Digital learning resources** on responsible gambling concepts like managing impulsiveness and setting limits.
– **Financial literacy education** covering budgeting, saving, and understanding the risks associated with debt.
– **On-campus sessions** available for in-person engagement.
– **Resources** addressing mental health and stress.
– **Educational content** aimed at dispelling myths around gambling, such as the illusion of control.
– **Exclusive resources** for college-aged students, regardless of their enrollment status.
### Legislative Pushback: The SAFE Bet Act and VIP Program Bans
While ROGA focuses on education and guideline implementation, some lawmakers are considering banning VIP programs.
In March, New York Representative Paul Tonko reintroduced his Supporting Affordability and Fairness with Every Bet (SAFE Bet) Act. Initially aimed at imposing strict bans comparable to those for cigarette advertising, it has evolved to focus more on gambling addiction. The prohibition of reload bonuses and VIP programs are central elements of this bill, aiming to reduce the risk of problem gambling symptoms among users.
Dr. Harry Levant, Director of Gambling Policy at the Public Health Advocacy Institute, compared the nature of VIP programs to drug dealers rewarding their top customers during the introductory press conference of the bill. This underscores the critical views some policymakers hold towards such gambling incentives.