Gambling Prevention: USA Launches 28th Responsible Gaming Education Month

September marks a pivotal time for the US gaming industry as the American Gaming Association (AGA) kicks off the 28th annual Responsible Gaming Education Month (RGEM). With legal gaming expanding rapidly across the nation and nearly 60% of Americans having gambled in the past year, the industry is under increasing pressure to demonstrate that growth does not come at the expense of consumer safety. The initiative focuses on empowering players to set limits and recognize gambling as entertainment rather than a financial strategy.

David Forman, AGA Vice President of Research, highlighted that the industry's success is inextricably linked to maintaining public trust. To support this, operators and suppliers have committed approximately half a billion dollars annually to responsible gaming programs. According to Forman, these efforts are yielding results, as research shows that four out of five gamblers believe the industry is committed to effective safeguards. Furthermore, almost every active player is aware of at least one tool designed to help manage their play.

"Last year, almost 60% of Americans gambled one way or another. And as new consumers get access to legal gaming and they see how much fun it is, it’s really important that we pair the industry’s growth with responsible gaming practices." - David Forman, Vice President of Research, American Gaming Association

Numbers and Facts

The AGA’s "Play Smart from the Start" hub, launched in 2025, serves as a central resource for player education. It emphasizes starting every game with the right mindset, understanding the odds, and setting strict budgets. The engagement data is promising, with tens of thousands of online interactions in its inaugural year. However, challenges remain. A survey by St. Bonaventure University revealed that the percentage of bettors believing they can consistently make money wagering rose from 80% in 2024 to 86% in 2025, indicating a significant gap in financial literacy regarding gambling.

Dr. Jennifer Shatley of the Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA) pointed out that this misconception needs direct attention. She argues that education must connect gambling concepts to everyday financial decision-making, such as differentiating between discretionary spending and essential expenses like rent or tuition. This is particularly vital for young adults who are concurrently developing their general financial management skills.

Background

Professional discourse during RGEM also touches on the terminology used in the field. Elizabeth Thielen from Nicasa Behavioral Health Services suggests moving away from the term "responsible gambling," as it may imply the onus is solely on the player. She notes that many disordered gamblers still view themselves as "responsible" because they manage to pay their bills, even while moving money around desperately. Terms like "informed gambling" or "controlled gambling" might better reflect the shared responsibility between the industry, regulators, and health professionals.

Transparency also remains a key demand. Keith Whyte, President of Safer Gambling Strategies, argues that operators should publicly share data on RG tool usage, employee training, and self-exclusion rates. While protecting trade secrets is necessary, providing these metrics would build public trust and incentivize underperforming companies to improve their programs. Additionally, the AGA continues to battle prediction markets, which often avoid gambling regulations by claiming their products are not gambling, thereby evading the honest discussions required for consumer protection.

Why it matters for German players

For German players, the contrast with the American approach is stark. While the US relies heavily on industry-led education and voluntary spending of $500 million, Germany has implemented rigid legal barriers through the GlüStV 2021. The mandatory 1,000 Euro monthly deposit limit and the 1 Euro spin limit for slots are measures that far exceed the voluntary "education" models seen in the US. German players under the GGL regime are protected by automated systems like LUGAS and the OASIS lock file, ensuring that player protection is not just a monthly theme but a permanent legal requirement.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

Operators holding a license from the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL) must adhere to technical standards that make many of the US "Responsible Gaming" discussions redundant. In Germany, the detection of problematic play patterns is mandated by law, and the 24-hour "Panic Button" is a standard requirement. GGL-licensed casinos must ensure that their marketing and operational procedures are fully transparent to regulators, aligning with the transparency demands voiced by experts like Keith Whyte during the US campaign.