Gambling Affiliate Becomes First to Announce Donation Pledge for Responsible Gaming

The U.S. online gambling affiliate BettingUSA.com is stepping in where most state governments have fallen short, becoming the first organization of its kind to pledge a donation of 1% of its earnings toward responsible gaming initiatives.

The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) announced the move this week. By virtue of its decision, BettingUSA.com will be able to display a special logo and will receive recognition from the national advocacy organization. Gambling affiliates are individuals or organizations that offer tips and information to bettors and serve to drive traffic to gaming sites.

NCPG deputy director for advancement Barbara Rollins tells Addiction Professional that “this is the first gambling affiliate that has made this commitment—and actually the first gaming industry entity to make the commitment of 1% above and beyond what regulations require.”

A surge in online gaming opportunities has intensified concerns over a heightened risk of gambling addiction, with research showing an association between the availability of mobile wagering and increased risk of gambling problems.

“NCPG advocates for states to earmark 1% of gambling revenues to responsible gaming and problem gambling programs, and since most states fall well short of that target, we believe that it is in the best interests of the industry to contribute,” Steve Ruddock, who oversees content for BettingUSA.com, said in an NCPG news release.

Both NCPG and BettingUSA.com urged other legal gaming affiliates to match the 1% pledge. “We have a number of corporate members and donors that support NCPG with defined contributions,” Rollins says. “We are grateful to all of them of course. But the 1% model is really useful given the explosion of gambling in the U.S.”