ROGA Rolls Out Responsible Gaming Guidelines for VIP Programs

ROGA Rolls Out Responsible Gaming Guidelines for VIP Programs

The Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA) has released a new set of recommended practices aimed at ensuring sportsbook VIP programs are operated with a strong foundation in responsible gaming principles. Designed to balance loyalty incentives with player well-being, these evidence-based guidelines mark a proactive step by major U.S. betting operators toward safer engagement with high-value customers.

Strengthening Responsible Gaming Within VIP Programs

In a move that underscores the industry’s growing focus on responsible practices, ROGA—whose hip includes giants like FanDuel, and others—has laid out comprehensive recommendations to better manage VIP player experiences. The organization emphasized that VIP programs, while built to reward loyal s, must also encourage safe gaming behavior and help players stay within personal limits.

“Like in many sectors of entertainment, leisure and hospitality, sportsbook’s VIP programs aim to reward and retain loyal players, and it is essential that these programs are operated with a strong commitment to responsible gaming,” said ROGA Executive Director Dr. Jennifer Shatley. “These programs should a shared understanding between hosts and players on the value of responsible gaming that fosters long-term loyalty and player well-being.”

Key Guidelines Include Training, Technology, and Transparency

Among the central pillars of the newly issued framework is the importance of role-specific training for VIP hosts. ROGA recommends that hosts receive regular education to help them identify and respond appropriately to signs of problematic play. This training would cover behavioral risk indicators, engagement techniques, and resource referral processes.

Further, ROGA emphasizes responsible engagement strategies. Hosts should promote responsible gaming (RG) messaging across multiple communication channels, and operators must establish clear guidelines governing host-player interactions. Importantly, bonuses, incentives, or special offers must not be extended to VIP s who are self-excluded, on cool-off periods, or whose s are suspended or banned.

VIP players must also have the option to opt out of receiving promotions and be given access to their own gaming data—including deposits, bets, and withdrawals—to informed decision-making.

Focus on Education, Evaluation, and Adaptability

Player onboarding into VIP programs must include confirmation that s are aware of the available RG tools and resources. Periodic reminders and educational outreach are also recommended to reinforce responsible play habits.

The guidelines advocate for an annual evaluation of each VIP program. According to ROGA, many of its member operators have already begun integrating elements of these recommendations and are committed to full implementation within a commercially reasonable timeframe.

“There is a robust conversation ongoing regarding VIP programs, which is why we have prioritized this issue,” Shatley added. “It is essential to provide research-driven guidance to adequately these programs to help keep VIP players’ experience fun and recreational.”

VIP programs have faced increased scrutiny in recent years amid concerns over aggressive promotional tactics and insufficient safeguards for at-risk players. ROGA’s new guidelines aim to address these concerns directly by embedding responsible gaming at the core of VIP engagement.

Source:

“Responsible Gaming Guidelines for VIP Player Program Management”, responsibleonlinegaming.org, May 28, 2025

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