Online licensed betting affiliate BettingUSA.com has pledged to donate 1% of its earnings to the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). The move has been initiated in order to help minimize harms that might occur through the expansion of gambling and sports betting in the US.
Together the two organizations have called on other affiliates in the legal US gambling space to match BettingUSA.com’s example by joining the 1% initiative.
Keith Whyte, NCPG Executive Director, commented: “The rapid expansion of sports betting and mobile gambling has led to numerous challenges and significant opportunities for everyone involved, including affiliates. 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.”
BettingUSA.com’s Steve Ruddock said: “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 is proud to spearhead this initiative alongside NCPG. We call on all gambling affiliates, and anyone else involved in the industry, to join us.”
In a statement, the firm cautioned the need to act now to avoid problems further down the line, saying: “Gambling has economic benefits and it also has well-documented negative consequences. As novice and experienced bettors alike have more opportunities than ever to place bets, there is a risk that gambling problems and public concern will increase.
“This could lead to a backlash and subsequent restrictions on gambling operations, not unlike what is happening now in the UK.”
