Gambling affiliate BettingUSA.com has pledged to donate 1% of its earnings to the US National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG).
It has become the first affiliate to sign up to the NCPG’s ‘1% initiative’, reflecting the percentage of state revenue that it believes should be allocated to the prevention and treatment of problem gambling and addiction.
“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,” BettingUSA.com’s Steve Ruddock explained.
“BettingUSA.com is proud to spearhead this initiative alongside NCPG. We call on all gambling affiliates, and anyone else involved in the industry, to join us.”
NCPG executive director Keith Whyte argued that the rapid expansion of sports betting and mobile gaming put the onus on operators, suppliers and affiliates to play a role in tackling problem gambling.
“These gambling affiliates play an important role in the online gambling ecosystem, and they have the unique opportunity to take a leadership role in responsible gambling efforts in the emerging US market,” he said.
Earlier this month (10 January), the Responsible Gambling Collaborative – a group that includes the NCPG – conducted a state-by-state survey and found that many states’ gaming tax proceeds were not appropriately spent as they are designated. BettingUSA.com’s Steve Ruddock said this means the onus is now on the industry to lend its help to at-risk gamblers.