Seven of the biggest legal mobile gambling companies have banded together to create the Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA) in an effort to further responsible gambling initiatives.

The seven online casino and online sportsbook operators who are part of this trade association are BetMGM, bet365, DraftKings, Fanatics Betting and Gaming, FanDuel, Hard Rock Digital and PENN Entertainment (ESPN BET). The group has tabbed Dr. Jennifer Shatley to lead as executive director.

“I am humbled, honored, and excited to be selected to lead ROGA during this important period of growth in legalized mobile gaming,” Shatley said in a press release announcing the formation of ROGA. “Many of America’s largest legal mobile gaming operators will be establishing a framework that helps to aid in responsible gaming education and awareness.

“Together, our members will work alongside researchers, experts, regulators and stakeholders to promote responsible online gaming and maximize our efforts to support additional responsible gaming education and awareness. By coming together with a clear set of objectives, ROGA and our members will work to enhance consumer protections and help provide easier and more efficient access to responsible gaming tools for consumers to enjoy the entertainment of online gaming.”

ROGA gains money and experience

Shatley has over 25 years of experience in responsible gaming. As President of the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling and a member of the National Council on Problem Gambling, she works with stakeholders, researchers, and governmental bodies. Shatley also co-chairs the Compliance Review Board for the American Gaming Association’s Responsible Marketing Code for Sports Wagering.

The seven online sportsbook and casino operators have pledged $20 million to support ROGA’s mission in the first year.

The mission of ROGA, according to the release, is fivefold: Research into gambling-related issues, including the effectiveness of responsible gambling measures; promoting best practices for responsible gambling; increase awareness of responsible gambling and encourage responsible advertising and marketing practices; to create a data clearinghouse to facilitate information sharing, creating a way to protect consumers; and to create an independent certification program to assess members’ responsible gambling efforts.

Photo: Getty Images.