MLB is on board as an official partner of AGA’s Have a Game Plan. Bet responsibly ‘public campaign. [Image: Shutterstock.com]
strong partner
MLB has teamed up with the American Gaming Association (AGA) as part of a new responsible gambling campaign called “Have a Game Plan.” Bet responsibly.” Thursday’s announcement outlined exactly what the partnership would mean.
Advertising will start at the start of the 2022 qualifiers
MLB will soon be publishing public service announcements to promote responsible sports betting across its digital media and broadcast channels. These ads will start at the start of the 2022 qualifiers.
Each of the 30 MLB teams will be able to participate as campaign partners if they wish. The AGA will also provide expertise and advice to the League in order to help advance knowledge of responsible gambling throughout the League.
Helping Promote Responsible Gambling
MLB is already a partner in the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), but now has platinum status and will be part of the NCPG’s leadership group. The league will work on various types of problem gambling initiatives, including promoting the National Problem Gambling Helpline. MLB has been a member of the NCPG since 2005 when it was the first professional sports league to join it.
Founded in 1972, NCPG is a non-profit group that acts as an advocate for problem gamblers when it comes to developing gambling policy, as well as direct assistance to problem gamblers. Despite this, the NCPG maintains a neutral stance on gambling.
MLB Executive Vice President of Business Development Kenny Gresh reiterated the league’s commitment to helping fans across the country bet responsibly. Speaking about what the future holds, Gersh said, “…we will be able to expand responsible gaming efforts further, advance education and awareness initiatives and support new services.”
Also welcomed AGA Vice President Casey Clark MLB on board as campaign partner, noting that it marked a milestone for both the campaign and the organization’s nationwide responsible gambling efforts. And he believes that MLB’s involvement will make a meaningful impact.
Professional sports leagues are going up
September was the first Responsible Games Education Month, and the idea was to promote education among sports fans and improve gaming literacy. There were a number of initiatives throughout the month, including a webinar hosted by the Department of Animal Production and Animal Health and some major sportsbooks that issued a new pledge to tackle problem gambling.
In addition to the MLB, the PGA Tour was already a partner of the AGA’s “Have a Game Plan. Responsibly Betting Campaign”. Other professional sports organizations are also working to increase responsible gambling awareness efforts. During Sunday Night Football, the NFL aired a responsible gambling ad, with the slogan “Stick to your game plan.”
