AGA webinar: C-level support ‘imperative’ for RG, remains the ‘one space’ where competition is not a factor
Members of the African Americans in Gaming organization spoke during the webinar to address RG initiatives seen throughout the gaming industry in both the US and Canada.
Key Points
- Penn Entertainment SVP of Regional Operations Justin Carter stated the top-down buy-in for RG initiatives has been crucial, especially for a publicly traded company
- Louisiana GCB Chairman Christopher Hebert explained how some initiatives being seen in areas such as Ontario could be used throughout the US as well
During an American Gaming Association (AGA) webinar, Creating Successful Responsible Gaming Programs in North America, members of the African Americans in Gaming organization spoke on responsible gaming (RG) initiatives currently being carried out in the US and Canada.
Members who spoke during the webinar included African Americans in Gaming Executive Director Tammi Barlow-Marang, Penn Entertainment SVP of Regional Operations Justin Carter, Louisiana Gaming Control Board (GCB) Chairman Christopher Hebert and Arkansas Council on Problem Gambling Executive Director Vena Schexnayder.
Representing the Ontario market during the webinar was Ontario Lottery and Gaming (OLG) VP of Community, Sustainability and Social Responsibility Catherine Meade.
Meade explained how Ontario has begun focusing on “destigmatizing” RG by creating forums and discussions with C Gaming Centers, or bingo halls, and casino staff to help individuals learn the effects of problem gambling. These forums include recent innovations such as PlaySmart, which offers interactive educational opportunities and voluntary self-exclusion programs for residents.
Following a remark from Hebert that Ontario should not feel offended if the same practices are displayed in Louisiana, Meade explained that copying RG techniques is seen as the “sincerest form of flattery” across the gaming industry, also noting that RG is the “one space” where competition does not lie.
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Carter explained how Penn Entertainment has received top down support from C-level executives, a crucial requirement if safer gambling is to be enforced by publicly traded companies. Barlow-Marang was quick to note how this requirement is “imperative” for any company or operator, even those deemed private, especially during Problem Gambling Awareness Month every March.
The Penn Entertainment executive also spoke out on how operators which have “let profitability get in the way of integrity” seem to consistently be playing from behind when it comes to social responsibility. Believing in a “exclude one, exclude them all” way of thinking, Carter went on to describe how skill-based games and certain online casinos have become the largest regulation challenge for the gaming industry in recent time.
Each participant of the webinar agreed that even when RG initiatives can “absolutely hurt profit,” the efforts will constantly be made to remind regulators “why they do what we do.”
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