Fanatics, Hard Rock and PointsBet join responsible online betting coalition

A coalition of the largest online gaming operators in the US, which came together last September to agree on industry-led responsible gaming standards, has welcomed three new members to its ranks: Fanatics, Hard Rock Digital, and PointsBet.

The coalition now has nine members, including Bally’s, BetMGM, DraftKings, Entain, FanDuel, MGM Resorts, and the aforementioned companies. The operators have elaborated 12 responsible gaming principles, which will be reviewed externally by a panel of experts that will provide guidance for future endeavors. 

Rachel Kasper, SVP of Legal and Compliance of PointsBet US, said: “Responsible gambling is a core priority for our business and requires meaningful collaboration with all stakeholders, inclusive of operators competing within the same markets, to promote this aspect of our industry and ensure safe practices are followed.”

Each operator has developed reports on their activities that align with each of the principles. The projects carried out by individual members of the group include launching responsible gaming tools and sites, as well as the appointment of responsible gaming ambassadors.

The members have also established research partnerships with institutions and partnered with the National Council on Problem Gambling, and in some instances received RGCheck accreditation from the Responsible Gambling Council.

Anthony D’Angelo, Sr. Manager, Responsible Gaming for Fanatics, assured the company is “committed to the 12 responsible gaming principals and providing our fans tools and resources to enjoy our products.”

Danny Crook, SVP of operations at Hard Rock Digital, added: “Hard Rock Digital is pleased to have this opportunity to collaborate with our fellow operators to promote and maintain an industry-wide atmosphere of responsible gambling. We’re committed to serving our players with educational tools, resources, and support.”

Casey Clark

For his part, Casey Clark, AGA Senior Vice President, commented: "We applaud the responsible advertising commitments announced today by many of America's biggest players in sports entertainment."

"Closely mirroring commitments already made by AGA members through our recently updated Responsible Marketing Code for Sports Wagering, these efforts reflect a shared prioritization of responsible gaming and consumer protection. Building a sustainable legal wagering market requires alignment from the entire sports betting ecosystem, and today's announcement is another important step," he concluded.