Responsible Gambling News: Player Safety Updates

The Maine Gambling Control Unit issued a public statement warning residents about online casino operators and reminding them that the industry remains illegal. The warning comes as state lawmakers decide to reconsider creating a regulated industry.

The NFL has partnered with the International Center for Responsible Gaming to fund a study of the betting habits of college athletes and students. The league hopes the study will help curb problem gambling and better protect athletes from harassment.

The Responsible Online Gaming Association has released new guidelines for how sportsbook VIP hosts should interact with customers to curb problem gambling. The new best practices come as VIP hosts have come under fire over problem gambling concerns.

Charles Barkley shared that he uses a bookie to circumvent FanDuel’s betting limits during an NHL broadcast. Some responsible gaming advocates believe his remark crossed a line by suggesting a way for the public to avoid responsible gaming guardrails.

Sweepstakes casino giant VGW has announced the formation of the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance to support the social gaming industry. The group will be led by former South Carolina US Rep. Jeff Duncan, who will focus on legitimizing the industry amid a nationwide crackdown.

FanDuel has announced a new real-time check-in tool for players making larger or more frequent deposits than usual. The AI tool will track customer deposits and betting patterns to ensure the check-in is sent to those who show early signs of problem gambling.

The New York Assembly is currently considering a bill that would set a $5,000 daily wagering cap on sports betting, as well as advertising restrictions. Those restrictions include set hours for advertising and a ban on in-game ads and the promotion of free bets.

A Michigan regulator has issued a new round of cease-and-desist letters to 13 illegal operators, demanding they shut down their platforms within 14 days. The state believes these operators are creating a dangerous alternative to its regulated gambling markets.

The Illinois House is reviewing SB0118, which would add gambling addiction to the Substance Use Disorder Act, unlocking tools to fight the rising problem. The Senate unanimously passed the bill, giving proponents hope that it will soon become law.

Several US states have banned or considered bans on all sweepstakes casinos as legal gambling spreads, but many are wondering if it is the right move. With problem gambling on the rise, are states taking away a possible solution?