Just a few months ago, six of the leading companies in the U.S. online gambling affiliate sector joined forces to form the Responsible Gambling Affiliate Association (RGAA).. Better Collective, Catena Media, FairPlay Sports Media, Gambling.com Group, Spotlight Sports Group, and XLMedia are an industry company dedicated to “fostering an environment in which our affiliates can serve the commercial needs of the regulated online gambling market.” We support trade federations. ” according to a statement they released in November.
Earlier this month, RGAA announced that it had appointed George Lorber to lead the organization as its first executive director.. In this role, Rover will be responsible for carrying out RGAA's long-term mission of protecting responsible gambling marketing and advertising practices. His duties as Executive Director include promoting responsible affiliate practices, advocating for the needs and interests of group members, promoting sensible regulation, fostering collaboration with industry stakeholders, and advocating for standards of integrity. .
In light of his appointment, Yogonet I had the opportunity to meet with RGAA Executive Director George Lorber to discuss why he took on the role and the importance of responsible gambling marketing and advertising practices., and plans for the association in the near future. Additionally, in this exclusive interview, Rover discusses licensing and regulatory standards in the United States and his RGAA's role in guiding consumers to licensing and regulatory options.
The RGAA was announced in November with a mission to champion responsible gambling marketing and advertising practices. How will this be done? What are some of the association's strategic initiatives this year?
Affiliates play an important role in the gambling ecosystem and are often the first point of contact for players, including first-time players. RGAA wants to build a network of affiliates that adhere to certain responsible gaming standards. It concerns the display of content and the availability of resources (such as assistance hotlines) and the prohibition of cooperation with unauthorized offshore operators.
RGAA is in the early process of identifying strategic initiatives, but certainly Expand membership and establish credibility Cooperation with regulators and legislators is a top priority.
what led you [George] I would like to take on the role of Executive Director of this association. What do you hope to achieve? What are your expectations in terms of what RGAA can achieve for the affiliate sector?
I took on the role because I believe that the activities of affiliates are sometimes misunderstood by regulators and legislators.. Given my long career in government, particularly in the gaming industry, I will be able to use that experience and knowledge to engage with key stakeholders on issues such as responsible gaming initiatives and the reasonable regulation of affiliates. I hope that I can.
What are the key challenges when it comes to fostering an environment where affiliates can meet the commercial needs of the regulated online gambling market while protecting consumer interests and promoting responsible marketing?
i believe that Responsible marketing and protection of consumer needs are consistent with promoting the commercial needs of a regulated online gaming market. The goal of all companies in this space, whether affiliates, B2C, or B2B companies, is to foster and build a long-term, sustainable gaming ecosystem. To achieve that, The aim is to develop properly focused responsible gaming and consumer protection In a way that can also bring commercial benefits to affiliates and operators.
Affiliates play an important role in the regulated online gambling market, providing education, sportsbook reviews, responsible gambling resources, and directing consumers to the regulated market. By presenting and comparing all operators, Affiliates helps ensure a fair market that provides consumers with knowledge and choice..
but, When principled affiliates are locked out of the market by regulators who classify all advertising as a whole, the stakes become less safe.states would lose revenue, irresponsible gambling practices could be encouraged with no consequences, and offensive mass-market advertising would proliferate unchecked.
What are the current regulations governing gambling companies in the United States? How can standards in the affiliate marketing sector be further improved? Will the RGAA advocate new guidelines in this area?
As you know, affiliates are subject to different licensing and regulatory standards depending on the jurisdiction. RGAA focuses on ensuring that legislators pass common-sense rules regarding affiliate licensing and activities..
RGAA was also established to evaluate existing standards and determine whether new guidelines would further strengthen the role of affiliates in the gaming industry as a whole.. Indeed, if new standards and guidelines regarding affiliate activities actively promote responsible gaming, consumer protection, player education, and/or affiliate perspectives from the perspective of key stakeholders. , RGAA will act.
We believe that having a uniform baseline of common sense standards across all regulated states benefits the entire industry, operators and affiliates alike.. We work collaboratively with regulators to seek guidance on their concerns and develop a unified approach that promotes a healthy sports betting market that meets the interests of consumers, states, and industry stakeholders. I would like to cooperate.
What role will RGAA play in steering consumers toward licensed and regulated options in the face of the proliferation of black markets? Are there any plans to collaborate with other industry players on this front? ?
This is an issue that is important to us and an area where we believe we can make a meaningful impact. RGAA plays a direct role in ensuring its members are not involved with offshore operators.. These illegal operators are not subject to KYC, AML and responsible gaming obligations that are essential to a healthy and sustainable gaming industry. RGAA will absolutely work with all stakeholders in the industry to address this issue.
