Millions of people around the world enjoy casino gambling and sports betting as a fun and entertaining pastime that sometimes involves tidy payouts and winnings. Oftentimes, however, social gambling can become problematic, leading to heavy losses, debts, and devastating addiction.
As more and more US states pass favorable gambling legislation, the number of American bettors is sure to increase. In order to keep gamblers safe, the American Gambling Association (AGA) launched its responsible gambling initiative, ‘Have a Game Plan. Bet Responsibly’ Campaign with dozens of big-name partners in the gambling industry, and Delaware North is its latest addition.
Delaware North & The American Gambling Association (AGA)
Delaware North is an entertainment, hospitality, and food management company that is headquartered in Buffalo, New York. The American company also owns and operates in a variety of industries such as hotel, sporting, airport, and entertainment, as well as gambling divisions in 8 states across the US.
Delaware North is the latest in a long list of partners to join the American Gambling Association’s new responsible gambling campaign. In addition to big-name fantasy sites like DraftKings and FanDuel, Barstool Sportsbook, Entertain, and Rush Street Interactive have all joined forces — not to mention Nascar, the NHL, and professional sports teams like the New York Rangers, Knicks, and Jets.
Casey Clarke of the AGA commented on the partnership, saying, “Delaware North’s reach across gaming, entertainment, and sports adds an important voice to Have a Game Plan. We’re grateful for its partnership and leadership in advancing responsible gaming and ensuring bettors have the tools to wager responsibly.”
‘Have a Game Plan. Bet Responsibly’ Campaign
Having launched its campaign in 2019, the AGA’s vision has been to inform and advise customers about the importance of responsible sports betting and online gambling. Indeed, the same rule and practices should be applied when customers choose to play slots or other games at online casinos.
The ‘Have a Game Plan. Bet Responsibly’ Campaign is a relatively unique public service campaign to help educate both new and long-time gamblers about responsible sports wagering. The informative website offers tips and tricks to aid in responsible gambling in a helpful and non-judgemental way. Some of its suggestions include:
- Set a budget – The campaign site includes a wealth of information on how to set an entertainment budget for sports betting, what factors to consider, and how to make sure a gambler actually sticks to the budget. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, the campaign addresses determining a bankroll, distributing and tracking spending, and how to adjust wagers as needed.
- Keep it social – Sports betting is a form of entertainment for many people. Once it stops being fun and entertaining is when it can become problem gambling. The campaign reminds bettors to keep it a fun and social activity by
- Know the odds – There are a variety of ways to place bets on sports: a parlay, the spread, and money line bets. With each of these options are different odds to consider. Knowing how each of them works, the details, and the odds are smart ways for players to equip themselves before placing their first bet.
- Play legally – The site includes an interactive map of the United States that denotes which states have live, legal sports betting and which states are still in the legislative process. Legal, regulated sports betting venues include player protections that guarantee payouts and have responsible gambling measures in place.
Teaming Up for Responsible Betting
As the newest partner of AGA’s initiative, Delaware North will now add all of the campaign’s branding to their website, social med6ia, channels, and marketing materials. The goal of the program is not only to raise awareness of the dangers of problem gambling but also to inform and advise players about responsible gambling, giving them tools to protect themselves before a problem starts.
Raising Awareness of Safer Betting
Now that sports betting is legal in 33 US states, this responsible betting initiative is more important than ever. Now that approximately 130 million citizens have legal access to sports betting, having a ‘Game Plan’ will help to protect players and the industry as a whole.
Delaware North’s Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Jack McNeill stated that “Responsibility is not only core to Delaware North’s commitment to our customers, but essential to the sustainable growth of legal sports betting. We’re proud to work with the AGA on this important initiative to educate fans on responsible gaming.”
Betting safely, legally, and responsibly is a big win for everyone involved. American sports fans that engage in sports betting will now have a fan-friendly, informative, free resource at their disposal to protect themselves, as well as a huge team of supportive partners disseminating advice and support.