ROGA Sets Standards for VIP Programs with RG in Focus

The Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA) has issued new guidelines for operators and VIP programs.

The association, which represents companies that hold 90% of the market share in terms of sports betting handle in the United States, seeks to leverage evidence-based approaches that help make the industry a safer place, with the latest focus on VIP programs. In a statement, ROGA director Dr Jennifer Shatley had this to say:

“Like in many sectors of entertainment, leisure, and hospitality, sportsbooks’ VIP programs aim to reward and retain loyal players, and it is essential that these programs are operated with a strong commitment to responsible gaming. These programs should support a shared understanding between hosts and players on the value of responsible gaming that fosters long-term loyalty and player well-being.”

Make VIP Programs Focus on RG More

Shatley added that a lot of discussions have focused on VIP programs, and whether they meet RG standards, which is why more research-driven guidance is important to make the industry safer and help keep VIP players’ experience fun and recreational.

According to Shatley, certain principles need to be followed in order to make VIP programs safer, and the way they are implemented. One of the core aspects ought to be proactive education targeting both staff and players.

For starters, the industry at large should provide training for its VIP hosts, ensuring that they are familiar with core RG principles.

There should be an automated review process as well as a clear-cut escalation process that allows for quick measures to be taken in cases where players may be at risk of experiencing harm.

RG Messaging should be incorporated clearly into VIP communications to ensure that players are aware of the perils of excessive gambling and proactively decide not to push their gameplay too far.

ROGA further advises VIP hosts not to offer or extend promotions to customers who are in a cool-off period and thus incentivize them into making decisions that they will come to regret later on.

Avoid Complacency, Focus on RG Results

Furthermore, VIP programs should also come with responsible gambling tools and resources that can help mitigate excessive gambling – this should happen at the start of a VIP player’s life cycle, ROGA adds.

Moreover, VIP programs must not grow complacent, and frequent reevaluation is recommended so that any initiatives may be reevaluated and improved as soon as the opportunity arises.