The Responsible Online Gaming Association is a trade association comprised of eight of the largest companies in the legalized online gambling sector. At the group’s founding in 2014, the seven founding members were BetMGM, bet365, DraftKings, Fanatics Betting and Gaming, FanDuel, Hard Rock Digital, and PENN Entertainment, which jointly pledged $20 million to start the organization and promote “responsible gaming” awareness campaigns and best practices. Bally’s joined the association shortly after its founding. The association has launched several initiatives including one targeted at responsible gambling among college students led by Jennifer Shatley, a former executive at Caesars Entertainment. ^{1 2 3}

Background

In 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a federal law that banned sports betting in most states, leading to 38 states legalizing some form of online sports betting. Critics of the industry have raised concerns over a growth in problem gambling from increased access to mobile sports betting, particularly noting a rise in gambling addition hotline calls among younger demographics. ⁴

The Responsible Online Gambling Association was formed in March 2024 to bring together seven of the largest sports betting and online casino companies in the United States, which the group stated represented 85 percent of the legalized online sports betting and iGaming industry in the United States. The group stated at its formation that it would focus on promoting a “new industry-wide best practices charter” and engage in initiatives including “research, consumer and industry responsible gaming education and awareness, promoting responsible gaming best practices, an independent data clearinghouse, and an independent certification program.” ¹

When the group was founded, the initial seven members of the association were BetMGM, bet365, DraftKings, Fanatics Betting and Gaming, FanDuel, Hard Rock Digital, and PENN Entertainment. The founding members pledged $20 million to fund the association in its first year. Shortly after the group was formed, Bally’s Corporation joined the association as its eighth member. ^{1 2}

In the fall of 2024, the association announced the formation of a national education campaign in coordination with EPIC Global Solutions, Kindbridge Behavioral Health, and the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) to promote responsible gaming to college-aged demographics, stating that “ROGA is proud to be collaborating with leading organizations that bring diverse expertise and experiences in creating responsible gaming and problem gambling awareness programs that resonate with college-aged audiences. Our aim is to provide much needed information and resources about responsible gaming concepts, raise awareness of the consequences associated with problem gambling and available support services, and teach general financial literacy skills that will help students build and maintain good financial habits whether they choose to engage in gaming or not.” ³

Leadership

Jennifer Shatley has led the Responsible Online Gambling Association since its founding. From 1997 to 2014, she worked as an executive at Caesars Entertainment Corporation, mostly recently holding the title of vice president of responsible gaming policies and compliance. According to her LinkedIn, she “managed programs on underage gambling prevention, unattended children, and responsible service of alcohol.” ⁵

Shatley holds a Ph.D. in public policy from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas and has served as president for the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling, a member of the National Council on Problem Gambling, and co-chair of the Compliance Review Board for the American Gaming Association’s Responsible Marketing Code for Sports Wagering. ¹

1. “New Trade Association Launches Unprecedented Effort to Strengthen Responsible Online Gaming, Promote Best Practices.” Responsible Online Gaming Association. March 27, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-trade-association-launches-unprecedented-effort-to-strengthen-responsible-online-gaming-promote-best-practices-302100940.html
2. “BALLY’S CORPORATION JOINS RESPONSIBLE ONLINE GAMING ASSOCIATION TO ADVANCE RG BEST PRACTICES.” Responsible Online Gaming Association. June 25, 2024. https://www.kget.com/business/press-releases/cision/20240625NY47357/ballys-corporation-joins-responsible-online-gaming-association-to-advance-rg-best-practices/
3. “Responsible Online Gaming Association Announces Creation of National College Education Campaign.” Responsible Online Gaming Association. September 10, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/responsible-online-gaming-association-announces-creation-of-national-college-education-campaign-302242951.html
4. The Harvard Gazette. “Gambling problems are mushrooming. Panel says we need to act now.” The Harvard Gazette. January 28, 2025. Accessed February 27, 2025. https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2025/01/online-gambling-is-on-the-rise-panel-says-we-need-to-act-now/
5. “Jennifer Shatley.” LinkedIn Profile. Accessed February 27, 2025. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifershatley/details/experience/