It may be the end of the month, but the American Gaming Association (AGA) has one more piece of Responsible Gambling Education Month news, and it’s a home run for all involved.
Major League Baseball will be joining the NHL as a league partner in the AGA’s Have a Game Plan responsible gambling campaign. The list of teams and leagues involved in the initiative now includes MLB, NHL, NASCAR, the New York Jets, the New York Knicks, the PGA Tour, and the UFC among others.
MLB re-upping with NCPG as well
In addition to joining the AGA campaign, MLB is also re-upping its partnership with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). More than renewing the partnership, the league is also stepping up as a Platinum Member, which will make MLB part of the NCPG Leadership Circle.
The AGA partnership will commence with the MLB postseason, which begins on Oct. 7. Have a Game Plan messaging will run throughout the postseason MLB broadcasts in addition to digital media channels.
“As legalized wagering continues to grow across the country, MLB is committed to ensuring that fans who choose to wager also have the tools and resources necessary to bet responsibly,” said MLB Executive Vice President, Business Development Kenny Gersh. “With the expertise and additional resources of the AGA and NCPG, we’ll be able to expand our responsible gaming efforts further, driving new education, awareness, and support service initiatives that will help keep sports betting safe, fun, and entertaining for all those who participate.”
AGA to invite every MLB to join Have a Game Plan initiative
Currently, individual teams from the four major leagues, save for MLB, all have partnerships with Have a Game Plan. That should soon change as well. As part of the MLB announcement, the AGA is extending partnership opportunities to all 30 teams within the league.
Additionally, AGA will advise the league on responsible gambling benchmarking and curriculum for annual best practices training.
“Welcoming Major League Baseball as a Have A Game Plan partner is a milestone for the campaign and responsible gaming efforts nationwide,” said AGA Senior Vice President Casey Clark. “MLB understands that as legal sports betting grows so does our collective commitment to responsibility. This partnership will have a meaningful impact, teaching fans across the country the fundamentals of responsible wagering.”
“We applaud MLB’s ongoing commitment to addressing problem gambling and look forward to their expanded efforts to support responsible gambling education to fans and families across the country,” added NCPG Executive Director Keith Whyte. “If gambling becomes a problem, knowing the resources for help is crucial. MLB’s extensive reach will make a significant impact in raising awareness of the National Problem Gambling Helpline and the resources available for treatment.
