United States: A certificate to curb gambling abuses

In the United States, the online gaming industry is taking a decisive step forward. The Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA), in partnership with the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC), is launching a new certification programme to regulate operators’ practices. The aim is to establish independent standards and provide greater protection for players in a rapidly expanding sector.

A strategic partnership for a societal challenge

ROGA and the RGC have jointly announced the creation of a unique responsible gaming certification programme in the United States. This initiative, which brings together the country’s eight largest bookmakers, aims to establish an independent standard for an industry often criticised for its lack of safeguards. For the first time, operators will have to meet specific standards that go well beyond simple legal obligations.

According to initial information, the future certificate will be based on a scientific and factual assessment. Operators will be judged on several aspects:

• the implementation of self-exclusion tools,
• the rigour of their marketing practices,
• the quality of employee training,
• and the accessibility of player support mechanisms.

Unlike many self-regulatory charters, this programme is binding and audited by an independent third party. 

A sustainable industry must be based on evidence

At the helm of ROGA, Director Dr Jennifer Shatley emphasises the scientific importance of the approach:

“A sustainable online gaming industry must be based on best practices founded on empirical data, and this collaboration with the RGC will further this mission by establishing a reliable and independent assessment to certify rigorous standards for responsible gaming.”

For Shatley, ROGA members are not just looking to meet current expectations. They are committed to the long term, with a desire to transform the culture of the industry and give players a tangible guarantee.

Recognised expertise: the RGC’s experience

It is no coincidence that ROGA chose the Responsible Gambling Council as its partner. Based in Canada, the RGC has decades of experience and an international reputation thanks to RG Check, a programme already recognised as the benchmark for responsible assessment.

The Council’s Executive Director, Sarah McCarthy, says she is proud to be contributing to this new chapter:

“We are proud to be working with ROGA to set a new standard for responsible gaming in the online world. The new certification programme builds on years of empirical research and experience in establishing RG Check as a reliable standard. By working together, we are creating a more transparent, responsible and player-focused industry.”

In other words, this is not just a marketing label, but a standard inspired by proven fieldwork.

BetBlocker, a tool already in use

In parallel with this programme, ROGA announced in August 2025 a partnership with BetBlocker, a free application that allows users to block access to thousands of gaming sites and applications, whether legal or not.

The arrival of this tool on the American market is a first. Players will now be able to voluntarily self-exclude, strengthening prevention without relying solely on the goodwill of operators.

This move illustrates ROGA’s desire to increase concrete initiatives that complement the future certificate.

A global trend towards responsible gaming

The American initiative is part of an international trend. In Europe, several countries, including the United Kingdom and Spain, have already tightened their regulations. Responsible gaming labels also exist in Canada and Australia.

With this programme, the United States is catching up and could even become a model if the certification becomes the benchmark.

With this unprecedented partnership, ROGA and RGC are taking a scientific and independent approach to redefining the rules of online gaming in the United States. The future responsible gaming certificate could well become a symbol of change, provided that the industry moves from promises to action.