September marks the 28th annual Responsible Gaming Education Month in the United States, with industry figures pointing to wider gambling participation and continued efforts to promote safer play.
American Gaming Association Vice President of Research David Forman said almost 60% of Americans gambled in some form last year. He added that the gaming industry has committed about half a billion dollars to responsible gaming programs, while awareness of available safeguards has also increased.
“Four of five gamblers say that the industry is committed to responsible gaming and that the industry’s RG programs are effective,” Forman said. “Nearly every gambler is aware of at least one RG tool.”
He also said: “I think there’s never been more time and resources invested, understanding and promoting responsible gaming than there is now, and I think the research shows that it’s working and having a positive impact.”
Education Campaign Targets Everyday Decisions
The AGA’s Play Smart from the Start consumer education hub, introduced in 2025, encourages players to begin gambling with a clear mindset, understand the games they are playing and set spending limits. Forman said the campaign generated tens of thousands of online interactions during its first year, while operators and suppliers adopted its messaging across industry websites and properties.
Responsible gaming advocates are also calling for education to address how consumers view sports betting. Dr. Jennifer Shatley, executive director of the Responsible Online Gaming Association, cited St. Bonaventure’s American Sports Fanship Survey, which found that the percentage of bettors who believed they could make money wagering rose from 80% in 2024 to 86% in 2025.
“Sports betting should be understood for what it is: a form of entertainment, not a financial plan,” Shatley said.
She said her organization will launch an educational video series this month that connects responsible gambling with financial decisions, particularly for young adults learning about budgeting, credit and savings.
Industry Faces Calls For Greater Openness
The discussion extends beyond consumer education. Forman criticized prediction markets over what he sees as shortcomings in their approach to responsible gaming and consumer protection.
“I don’t think that these platforms are ever going to take (responsible gaming) seriously from a consumer protection angle because if you don’t believe your product is gambling, you can’t have an honest discussion with consumers about how to gamble responsibly,” he said.
Other advocates have called for changes within the responsible gaming field itself. Elizabeth Thielen of Nicasa Behavioral Health Services said the industry should consider whether the term “responsible gambling” places too much emphasis on individual players. She also called for closer cooperation between gambling operators and prevention, treatment and recovery providers during the awareness month.
Keith Whyte, president of Safer Gambling Strategies, identified transparency as a key priority. He argued that operators and regulators should publish more information about responsible gaming efforts, including data on tool usage, employee training and self-exclusion.
The month therefore arrives amid rising participation and growing attention to how bettors understand risk, manage spending and use available safeguards.
Source:
AGA Marks 28th Responsible Gaming Education Month as Sports Betting Confidence Grows”, snjtoday.com, August 31, 2026
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