30-second summary:

• Nine out of 10 avid casino gamblers are aware of responsible gaming measures
• 88% view gambling as an acceptable form of entertainment
• 90% report success in tracking their spending
• AGA says FOMO is driving push to legalize sports betting

A new report shows that 90% of American casino gamblers are practicing responsible gambling and are sticking to the budgets they set.

Positive image for casinos

The American Gaming Association (AGA), conducted the research. It surveyed 2,014 casino gamblers from the past year and used their data to examine their responsible gaming practices.

According to the research, the figures paint the casino industry, and those who partake in it, in a positive light. It found that nine out of 10 casual bettors set themselves a budget before they visit a casino, with 90% of those visitors reporting success in tracking their spending.

Additionally, eight out of 10 casual casino visitors and nine out of 10 avid casino gamblers indicated that they are aware of responsible gambling resources. Interestingly, 88% of those surveyed said that they view gambling as an acceptable form of entertainment, while six out of 10 say casinos help their local economies.

Priority is responsible gambling

Bill Miller, president and CEO of the AGA, said that responsible gambling is their main priority.

He said: “This research indicates that our unwavering commitment to responsibility is resonating with our customers. But success in this key area will never mean our work is done, and we look forward to continuing to work with gaming regulators, our partners in the fight against problem gambling and our employees to ensure customers continue to engage in this form of mainstream entertainment responsibly.”

Is FOMO driving legalization?

The US is seeing a rise in the number of states legalizing gambling, in particular sports betting. This results from a New Jersey Supreme Court ruling in may 2018, which overturned a 1992 ruling that prohibited legal sports betting,

Several states have since moved to make it legal for the residents. These include Delaware, Mississippi, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia.

Yet, according to a report from the end of January, the AGA has indicated the legalization of sports betting has gained pace with bills pending in 15 US states. It has reported that the fear of missing out (FOMO) is what’s driving this rush.

Washington State is the latest to introduce a bill calling for the legalization of college and professional sports wagering. If passed, this would be a significant moment because at present online gambling is a Class C felony in the state, the only state to label it as such.

At the time of the report,?Sara Slane, AGA’s senior vice-president for public affairs and lead sports betting lobbyist, said: “It has certainly moved a lot faster than anyone thought it would.”

Adding to the AGA’s latest findings, Miller said: “Gaming has made great strides over the past few years with the public increasingly recognizing our industry as the community partner and economic driver we know it to be.”

Of course, while the US is seeing acceptance of gaming at an all-time high, other countries are putting measures in place to prevent problem gambling from increasing. The UK, for instance, has introduced a whistle to whistle ban during living sports events, following a rise in the amount of criticism regarding gambling-related advertising during events.