The Responsible Gambling Affiliate Association (RGAA), founded by the six major US gambling affiliates, will serve as a trade association to advocate for reasonable regulation, responsible advertising, and consumer protection.

We are proud to announce the formation of the RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING AFFILIATE ASSOCIATION, a coalition of like-minded companies dedicated to nurturing an environment where gambling affiliate companies can serve the commercial needs of the regulated online gambling market.

The RGAA’s mission is to champion responsible gambling marketing and advertising practices, empower gambling affiliate companies to influence sensible regulation, and protect consumer interests, while effectively participating in the market.

Comprising six major players in the US online gambling affiliate sector, the Association includes Better Collective, Catena Media, Gambling.com Group, oddschecker Global Media, Spotlight Sports Group, and XLMedia plc. These initial members have recognized that affiliate marketing providers must participate in broader industry initiatives in the United States to advocate for sensible advertising regulation that balances consumer protection and the practicalities of digital advertising.

Although gambling affiliates are subject to significant regulation, there is potential for further improvement in elevating the standards of the affiliate marketing sector.

The new trade association is built on five strategic pillars:

• Promotion of Competitive Gambling Markets, emphasizing the importance of open and competitive online gambling markets to ensure consumers can access a diverse selection of modern online gambling services.
• Industry Education through developing an upcoming slate of initiatives to heighten visibility and generate greater recognition within the gambling sector for gambling affiliates, including inviting additional businesses to join in time.
• Consumer Protection, Empowerment, and Choice that steers consumers toward their locally licensed and regulated options, promoting greater product innovation, elevated customer service standards and maximized consumer experience.
• Advertising Codes of Conduct to ensure ethical marketing and advertising practices that play an important role in minimizing problem gambling while serving the commercial needs of the broader gambling industry.
• Responsible Business Practices based on thoughtful dedication, intelligent advocacy and a profound sense of responsibility toward both the industry and the consumers it serves.

The Association is currently in the process of hiring a permanent President to act as the figurehead of the organization and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of responsible affiliate practices, advocating the needs and interests of its members, fostering collaboration with industry stakeholders, and advocating for the highest standards of integrity. A forthcoming announcement will be made once an RGAA President has been appointed.

Mark Frank Pedersen, CEO of North America, Better Collective:
“We are committed to doing everything possible to help empower our industry to promote gambling as entertainment and enable our customers to enjoy our products and services responsibly. Having the industry come together with a unified approach to creating standards and guidelines puts the best interests of our consumers, customers, and their families at the forefront. Not only is this the right thing to do for our customers, it’s the best thing to ensure the success and longevity of the industry and our businesses.”

Michael Daly, Chief Executive Officer of Catena Media, commented:
“The US gambling market is swiftly regulating, and affiliates are vital to the overall industry. Catena Media is proud to be a founding member of the RGAA, an association committed to promoting responsible, positive wagering experiences through legal, regulated operators.”

Charles Gillespie, Chief Executive Officer of Gambling.com Group, commented:
“All stakeholders in the American online gambling market need to understand the critical role affiliate companies play in helping regulated online gambling operators achieve their growth targets. Gambling.com Group is proud to be part of the new Responsible Gambling Affiliate Association to ensure that standards remain high among our peers and that the voice and message of the affiliate marketing community is heard loud and clear.”

Stuart Simms, Chief Executive Officer of oddschecker Global Media, commented:
 “Our consumers are at the heart of everything we do so we, together with our fellow founding members, wanted to lead the way in promoting social responsibility in the affiliate industry and creating a safer gambling environment for consumers in the US as that market continues to grow. Our ambition is that the RGGA will support fair play for all.”

Mark Renshaw, Chief Executive Officer of Spotlight Sports Group, commented:
“Spotlight Sports Group has always been at the forefront of the responsible gambling ecosystem, consistently looking to go above and beyond regulatory requirements. We are extremely proud to be a founding member of the Responsible Gambling Affiliate Association, which I believe will play a key role in ensuring the highest standards are set among the affiliate industry.”

David King, Chief Executive Officer of XLMedia plc, commented:
“XLMedia is very proud to be a founding member of the RGAA, an association committed to promoting responsible online gambling. As an affiliate marketing company, we play a critical role in providing consumers with choice while supporting regulated online gambling operators to reach customers and grow their business.”