Eight leading operators, accounting for approximately 90% of the regulated sports betting market in the US, will participate in a new certification initiative set forth by the Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA) alongside the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC).

This initiative was officially unveiled on September 2 at ROGA’s headquarters in McLean, Virginia.

The operators involved include Bally’s, bet365, BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, Fanatics Betting and Gaming, Hard Rock Digital, and PENN Entertainment, which manages ESPN Bet and theScore Bet. Several of these firms also possess licenses within Ontario’s regulated iGaming sector.

Certification Structure and Procedure

This certification introduces a data-centric framework aimed at evaluating operators in key areas such as self-exclusion tools, player support mechanisms, staff training, and marketing practices. The assessment seeks to highlight practices that exceed existing state and provincial regulations.

RGC’s RG Check certification, a standard employed by both land-based and digital gaming operators in Canada and globally, will guide the US certification process. The RG Check accreditation remains valid for three years and necessitates a complete reassessment for renewal.

“A thriving online gaming sector must be rooted in evidence-backed best practices, and this collaboration with RGC will further this objective by establishing a credible and independent assessment to validate strong responsible gaming standards,” declared ROGA Executive Director Dr. Jennifer Shatley. “Our members are dedicated to sustained advancement, and with RGC’s support, this initiative will communicate our commitment through actionable standards that empower players to make informed choices about the platforms they engage with.”

RGC’s Expertise

Based in Toronto, RGC possesses over four decades of expertise in preventive strategies, player protection, and research. The organization collaborates with operators, regulators, and various stakeholders to devise and apply responsible gaming initiatives.

“We are excited to partner with ROGA in establishing a new standard for responsible gambling within the online landscape,” said RGC CEO Sarah McCarthy. “The forthcoming certification program will build on years of evidence-based efforts and the development of RG Check as a trusted benchmark. By joining forces, we are fostering a more transparent, accountable, and player-centric industry.”

Additional Responsible Gaming Efforts

This certification initiative follows other ROGA strategies aimed at enhancing responsible gaming practices. In May, ROGA released guidelines for managing VIP programs, advocating for specialized training for VIP hosts, behavioral assessments, and incorporating responsible gaming messaging into player communications. The guidelines also recommend refraining from promoting to players during cool-off periods.

ROGA and RGC are also working with EPIC Global Solutions and Kindbridge Behavioral Health on the “Know Your Play” campaign, which offers US college students resources focused on responsible gaming, mental wellbeing, and financial literacy.

The certification framework is expected to be finalized in the upcoming months, after which all ROGA members will undergo evaluation under this program.