Published: December 5, 2024, 10:29h.
Last updated on: December 5, 2024, 10:29h.
The American Gaming Association (AGA) is extending its public service campaign regarding sports betting.
In 2019, the AGA launched “Have A Game Plan. Bet Responsibly.” The program aims to advocate for responsible participation in sports wagering through education.
On Thursday, the AGA introduced a fifth core principle of the “Have A Game Plan” tutorial — “Keep Your Cool.” This new pillar underscores the importance of refraining from harassing players, coaches, referees, or any other individuals involved in a sporting event.
Winning and losing are part of the game, so remember — regardless of the outcome — to keep your cool. Criticizing players or officials, online or in-person over a lost bet, is inappropriate. Focus on enjoying the experience. Good sportsmanship applies to everyone,” stated the AGA.
The AGA’s “Have A Game Plan” PSA was launched a year after the United States Supreme Court invalidated a federal law that restricted single-game sports betting to Nevada. This landmark decision granted states the authority to determine the legality of sports gambling. In the last six years, 39 states and Washington, D.C., have enacted laws to legalize sports betting.
Making It Enjoyable
Prior to the 2018 SCOTUS ruling, sports betting was primarily confined to Nevada and parlay wagering in Delaware. Most sports betting activity was conducted illicitly through underground bookies and unregulated websites.
The court’s decision that the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act violated the U.S. Constitution brought sports betting out of the shadows and into the mainstream. It attracted millions of new participants to the gaming industry, with young men making up the majority of the new demographic.
The AGA asserts that legal, regulated sports betting safeguards consumers and diminishes the influence of the black market. However, the trade group for commercial and tribal gaming emphasizes the need for additional protections with the expansion of gaming and sports betting.
“Have A Game Plan” began with four fundamental principles — set a budget, keep it social, know the odds, and play within the law. The initiative advises sports bettors to establish and adhere to a financial limit, engage responsibly as part of a shared activity, understand the terminology and odds of each wager, and only participate with legal, regulated sportsbooks.
“Keep Your Cool” extends the campaign’s message to encourage bettors to avoid negative reactions, both online and in person.
Efforts promoting responsible gaming like ‘Have A Game Plan’ and other initiatives by legal operators are resonating with consumers and making a positive impact,” said Bill Miller, president and CEO of the AGA. “‘Keep Your Cool’ builds on this progress by reminding bettors that a betting outcome does not justify criticizing a team, official, or athlete.”
The AGA’s “Have A Game Plan” campaign is supported by the MLB, NBA, NHL, WNBA, PGA Tour, and NASCAR. Leading sportsbooks such as BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel are also involved as program partners.
Sports Betting Growth Continues
The AGA reports that sportsbooks generated approximately $10 billion in revenue during the first three quarters of 2024. This marks a nearly 38% increase year-over-year, equivalent to a gain of around $2.7 billion.
U.S. bettors legally wagered over $98.9 billion with sportsbooks in the first nine months. The top five states for sports betting in terms of handle and revenue are New York, New Jersey, Illinois, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
The states that still prohibit some form of legal sports betting are Alabama, Alaska, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah.