ROGA and RGC Join Forces on New Responsible Gambling Certification

• ROGA launching a U.S. certification program for online operators promoting player well-being and responsible gaming
• RGC has been around since 1983
• Independent validation of operator performance

The Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA) has announced it has selected Canada’s Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) as vendor for its new certification program.

ROGA Works With 90% of Industry

The U.S. certification program is aimed at improving responsible gaming practices of regulated operators, offering a structured, data-driven approach to evaluate operator practices in areas like self-exclusion, marketing, player support tools and staff training.

ROGA represents 90% of the legal sports betting industry in the U.S. by handle.

In the end, operators will be evaluated by an independent body on performance, focusing on accountability and continued improvements and evolution around responsible gaming.

Independent Analysis

“Our members are committed to long-term progress, and with RGC’s support, this program will serve as a clear signal that the industry is backing that commitment with actions that will allow players to make informed decisions about the platforms they use,” said ROGA Executive Director Dr. Jennifer Shatley.

RGC, created in 1983, is an independent not-for-profit organization with a mandate to work with operators to prevent problem gambling promoting safer gambling processes globally, creating and sharing knowledge to advance responsible gambling. RGC leads jurisdictional review and program development and support, providing training for operators and their employees.

The Canadian igaming market changed dramatically in 2022, when a competitive private operator market went live in Ontario. Fifty operators are now licensed and doing business in the province. 

Improving Responsible Gaming Practices

The RGC RG accreditation program supports land-based and igaming operators to evaluate, monitor, and manage all aspects of their RG strategy.

Operators in Ontario are required to obtain the accreditation as part of their licensing requirements.

“A sustainable online gaming industry must be built on evidence-based best practices, and this partnership with RGC will advance this mission by building a trusted and independent assessment to certify robust responsible gaming standards,” said Shatley.

The two sides have worked together before, including conducting joint research on how to increase engagement with responsible gaming tools as well as developing public awareness initiatives. The Know Your Play college education campaign is an example of that.