Published: September 14, 2020

AGA Activates Enforcement Process for Sports Wagering Marketing Code

A Note From the CEO


Dear Gaming Colleague,

As we begin this year’s Responsible Gaming Education Week (RGEW), I’m pleased to announce that today the American Gaming Association (AGA) activated the enforcement process for our Responsible Marketing Code for Sports Wagering. The code sets the industry standard—overseen by a Code Compliance Review Board (CCRB)—for sports betting advertising target audiences, outlets, and materials branding, while mandating responsible gaming messaging.

I would like to thank the many stakeholders who played a role in bringing this process together, especially those that will be joining the CCRB:

  • Joe Bertolone, Executive Director, UNLV International Center for Gaming Regulation (co-chair)
  • Becky Harris, Distinguished Fellow in Gaming, UNLV International Gaming Institute (co-chair)
  • Laura McAllister Cox, Vice President of Regulatory Compliance & Legal Counsel, Rush Street Gaming
  • Stephen Martino, Senior Vice President & Chief Compliance Officer, MGM Resorts International
  • Sharon Otterman, Chief Marketing Officer, William Hill
  • Paul Pellizzari, Vice President, Global Social Responsibility, Hard Rock
  • Chris Soriano, Vice President & Chief Compliance Officer, Penn National Gaming


This is an important moment for the sports betting industry. While gaming is one of the most regulated industries in the United States, our ability to effectively self-regulate in areas like advertising earns us the trust of the public, regulators, and policymakers. And, most importantly, it allows us to deliver against one of our core principles: responsible gaming.

This year’s RGEW also gives us the opportunity to highlight AGA’s consumer education efforts through our Have A Game Plan.® Bet Responsibly. public service campaign. I am excited to see many of you adapt this message during RGEW and hope to see it carried throughout the year. You can find toolkit resources to join the AGA in this effort here or contact AGA’s This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

Betting with licensed, regulated operators is a key tenet of Have A Game Plan.® Accordingly, the AGA recently published a new legal guide on the offshore market, explaining how these illegal operators violate state and federal law and exploit consumers. This will be an essential document as we continue to show policymakers and the media the harmful effects of the illegal market. I welcome you to use it in your own work as well.

RGEW allows us to highlight all the great work AGA members do throughout the year to advance responsible gaming with our employees, customers, and communities. Thank you for ongoing commitment and happy RGEW 2020.

All the best,
Bill Miller
President & CEO