The gaming industry works hard to be responsible

Re: “Deal with Pointsbet shows the insidious reach,” March 12 commentary

In his opinion piece, author Jim Martin overlooks legal gaming’s work to protect bettors and fails to acknowledge the dangers of illegal sportsbooks. He recommends numerous solutions for problem gambling, all of which the legal industry already is spearheading with success.

For instance, we agree on the need for public education. Because of initiatives like the American Gaming Association’s Have a Game Plan campaign, a recent American Gaming Association survey found 92% of bettors saw or heard responsible gaming messaging in the past year.

We agree on implementing responsible gaming measures. New technology allows online sportsbooks to implement tools to help bettors set limits on deposits and time spent gambling and provide self-exclusion capabilities.

We agree on funding problem gambling solutions. Problem gambling research, resources and treatment have never been better-supported. This funding comes from investments by gaming operators and from state taxes generated from legal gaming.

And we agree on the need for a marketing code of conduct for sports betting — so in 2019 we created the Responsible Marketing Code for Sports Wagering, followed by all AGA members. The code ensures marketing is targeted to adults of legal gambling age while mandating responsible gaming inclusion.

Before legal sports betting in Colorado, residents still wagered on games — only through bookies and offshore websites, which make no effort to protect consumers or communities. A legal alternative to these bad actors is clearly a benefit to the state, while also providing Coloradans with a fun, regulated entertainment option for adults.

— Casey Clark, Washington, D.C.

Editor’s note: Clark is the senior vice president of the American Gaming Association.