Major League Baseball partners AGA for responsible gambling drive

As a partner of Have A Game Plan, MLB will run responsible sports betting public service announcements across select MLB broadcast and digital media channels, beginning in its 2022 postseason.

The league will also extend campaign partnership opportunities to all 30 MLB teams, while the AGA will provide MLB with counsel and expertise to strengthen responsible gambling knowledge across the league through benchmarking and training on best practice.

In addition, as part of the arrangement, MLB will expand its partnership with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) by becoming a platinum member and join the group’s leadership circle.

MLB will work closely with executive director Keith Whyte’s team on initiatives related to problem gambling and promote the NCPG National Problem Gambling Helpline across its range of media platforms. MLB was the first professional sports league to register as a member of the NCPG in 2005.

“As legalised wagering continues to grow across the country, MLB is committed to ensuring that fans who choose to wager also have the tools and resources necessary to bet responsibly,” MLB executive vice-president of business development, Kenny Gersh, said.

“With the expertise and additional resources of the AGA and NCPG, we’ll be able to expand our responsible gaming efforts further, driving new education, awareness and support service initiatives that will help keep sports betting safe, fun and entertaining for all those who participate.”

AGA senior vice-president Casey Clark added: “Welcoming MLB as a Have A Game Plan partner is a milestone for the campaign and responsible gaming efforts nationwide.

“MLB understands that as legal sports betting grows so does our collective commitment to responsibility. This partnership will have a meaningful impact, teaching fans across the country the fundamentals of responsible wagering.”

The NCPG’s Whyte also said: “We applaud MLB’s ongoing commitment to addressing problem gambling and look forward to their expanded efforts to support responsible gambling education to fans and families across the country.

“If gambling becomes a problem, knowing the resources for help is crucial. MLB’s extensive reach will make a significant impact in raising awareness of the National Problem Gambling Helpline and the resources available for treatment.”