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American Gaming Association

AGA Unveils Have A Game Plan Initiative’s Fifth Pillar: “Keep Your Cool”

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The American Gaming Association (AGA) announced the expansion of its “Have A Game Plan. Bet Responsibly.” public service campaign with the introduction of a fifth pillar: “Keep Your Cool”. This new pillar reinforces the campaign’s mission to promote responsible sports wagering by emphasizing athlete harassment is never appropriate.

The announcement comes as data highlights the growing effectiveness of responsible gaming programs across the country. According to recent research, 66% of Americans believe the gaming industry’s responsible gaming initiatives are effective, up from 59% in 2023. Among those who actively participate in gaming, 79% of physical casino players and 85% of sports bettors agree these programs are working, including an impressive 73% of young bettors aged 18-24.

“Responsible gaming efforts like Have A Game Plan and other proactive efforts by legal operators are resonating with consumers and making a difference. ‘Keep Your Cool’ builds on this momentum by reminding bettors that a betting result – good or bad – is not an invitation to criticize a team, official, or athlete,” said Bill Miller, President and CEO of the AGA.

Since its launch in 2019, “Have A Game Plan. Bet Responsibly.” has educated bettors through four foundational pillars:

• Set a Budget: Establish and stick to a financial limit.

• Keep It Social: Bet responsibly as part of a shared activity.

• Know the Odds: Know the terminology and understand risks before placing bets.

• Play Legally: Use regulated, legal betting platforms.

The new “Keep Your Cool” pillar complements these principles by promoting sportsmanship and emphasizing the social aspects of sports betting:

Respect the Game: Winning and losing are part of sports betting, nobody is perfect; the result of a bet should not prompt negative actions – in person or online – toward athletes and officials.

Stay Focused on Having Fun: Sports betting is entertainment.

NASCAR, an early supporter of Have A Game Plan, underscored the importance of the new pillar. “At NASCAR, we believe responsible gaming enhances the overall fan experience. ‘Keep Your Cool’ reflects our shared commitment to encouraging fans to bet responsibly and maintain a respectful approach to the sport they love,” said Steve Phelps, President of NASCAR.

With responsible gaming messaging resonating stronger than ever, Have A Game Plan. Bet Responsibly. continues to foster a more enjoyable betting environment for fans.

American Gaming Association

AGA Launches “Play Smart from the Start” Consumer Hub to Help Players Game Responsibly

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The American Gaming Association (AGA) announced the launch of the Play Smart Consumer Hub, a new online resource designed to help consumers game responsibly. The hub builds on AGA’s Play Smart from the Start, a messaging platform that encourages players to make informed choices and develop habits that keep gaming fun.

“The AGA is committed to making responsible gaming a seamless part of the player experience. Part of the fun of gaming is that everyone plays differently, but no matter how or where you play, staying in control starts with habits that work for you. The Play Smart Consumer Hub provides players with straightforward, actionable tools to help them stay in control and keep gaming fun,” said Bill Miller, president and CEO of the AGA.

Grounded in player research, Play Smart from the Start centers around three key principles:

• Right State of Mind: Start every game with the right mindset—stay present, know your limits, and play on your terms.

• Know the Game: Understand the rules, odds, and bet with intention.

• Act Intentionally: Set a budget, take breaks, and stay aware, win or lose.

The Play Smart Consumer Hub offers practical tools, including:

• A Pre-Play Checklist to help players assess their mindset and set personal limits before betting.

• A Know the Game section that demystifies odds, house advantage, and common sports betting terms.

• A Responsible Gaming IQ Quiz that allows players to evaluate their gaming habits.

• Easy access to support resources like the National Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-GAMBLER) and state self-exclusion options.

In addition to the consumer tools, the platform also features an Industry Toolkit, providing operators and other stakeholders with resources, including messaging guidance, creative assets, customer communications and activation ideas to support the integration of consistent, responsible gaming programs.

“Whether an operator or supplier is building a new responsible gaming program or looking to refresh existing efforts, this toolkit makes it easy to deliver consistent, player-first messaging across every customer touchpoint,” Miller said.

The Play Smart Consumer Hub is now live at playsmartfromthestart.org.

The post AGA Launches “Play Smart from the Start” Consumer Hub to Help Players Game Responsibly appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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AGA

Americans to Legally Wager Estimated $3.1 Billion on March Madness

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The American Gaming Association (AGA) estimates that Americans will legally wager $3.1 billion on the men’s and women’s college basketball tournaments this year, up from $2.7 billion in 2024. This growth underscores the expanding legal sports betting market and the growing trust in legal wagering options. 

“March Madness is one of the most exciting times in American sports, with fans fired up for both the men’s and women’s NCAA tournaments,” said AGA SVP of Strategic Communications Joe Maloney. “As legal wagering expands across the U.S., more fans than ever have the opportunity to bet legally and responsibly.” 

Throughout the month of March, Have A Game Plan.® Bet Responsibly.™ campaign will serve important messages to fans, encouraging responsible sports betting. The campaign promotes five key principles: 

  • Set a Budget: Determine how much you are willing to spend and stick to it. 
  • Keep it Social: Betting should be a form of entertainment shared with others. 
  • Know the Odds: Understand the games and your chances of winning. 
  • Play Legally: Use regulated, legal betting platforms.  
  • Keep Your Cool: The result of a bet – win or lose – is not an invitation to criticize players, coaches, or officials online or in-person.  

“‘Keep Your Cool,’ our newest ‘Have A Game Plan’ principle, is all about keeping betting fun and respecting the game – no matter how unpredictable March Madness becomes,” Maloney added. 

Since the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn PASPA in 2018, legal sports betting has expanded to 38 states and Washington, D.C., offering consumers safe and regulated options to engage with their favorite sports. Americans’ support for legal sports betting continues to grow. According to the AGA’s 2024 American Attitudes Survey, 75% of Americans support legal sports wagering in their home state, and 90% view sports betting as an acceptable form of entertainment. 

For more information on responsible sports betting, visit www.haveagameplan.org. 

The post Americans to Legally Wager Estimated $3.1 Billion on March Madness appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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Americans to Wager Estimated $1.39 Billion on Super Bowl LIX

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The American Gaming Association (AGA) estimates that Americans will wager a record $1.39 billion legally on Super Bowl LIX, highlighting the continued expansion and enthusiasm around the legal sports betting market.

“No single event unites sports fans like the Super Bowl, and that excitement extends to sports betting, with this year’s record legal handle reflecting its widespread appeal,” said Bill Miller, AGA President and CEO. “This figure underscores the positive impact of the legal market—from protecting consumers to generating tax revenue that benefits communities across the country—while enhancing the game experience for all.”

Americans’ support for legal sports betting continues to grow. According to the AGA’s 2024 American Attitudes Survey, 75% of Americans support legal sports wagering in their home state, and 90% view sports betting as an acceptable form of entertainment. Since the Supreme Court struck down PASPA in 2018, 38 states and D.C. have launched legal sports betting markets, expanding consumer access to safe, regulated options.

With Super Bowl LIX marking another major milestone in the growth of the legal U.S. sports betting market, the AGA is committed to fostering a thriving legal market that promotes responsible gaming, safeguards consumers, and supports long-term economic growth. As part of this effort, the AGA is once again partnering with New Orleans Saints great, college football analyst and responsible gaming ambassador, Mark Ingram II, at Super Bowl LIX. Mark will appear on Radio Row on behalf of AGA’s Have A Game Plan.® Bet Responsibly.™ campaign. He will encourage bettors to bet legally and responsibly on Super Bowl LIX.

The post Americans to Wager Estimated $1.39 Billion on Super Bowl LIX appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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