The American Gaming Association (AGA), European Casino Association (ECA), and Betting & Gaming Council (BGC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to foster a collaborative approach in addressing key challenges within the global gaming industry. This agreement signifies a unified commitment from all three associations to tackle issues such as illegal gambling, responsible gaming, innovation, and security.
Through this partnership, the organizations will establish a framework for joint research initiatives and create opportunities for member and staff engagement across the associations. The MOU sets the stage for knowledge sharing and expertise exchange, enabling a cohesive response to industry-wide challenges.
As the first step in this collaboration, a law enforcement roundtable is planned for January 2025. This event will convene industry leaders, law enforcement personnel, and regulators to explore the impact of illegal gambling on licensed operators, consumer protection, and global financial systems. The roundtable will also focus on improving cross-jurisdictional communication and developing practical solutions to combat illegal gaming activities effectively.
“This new partnership is a significant step forward in our collective efforts to advance the legal gaming industry and protect consumers around the globe,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller. “By sharing our unique resources, we will expand our fight against illegal gambling to new fronts, work together to strengthen responsible gaming, and innovate around business best practices.
“By fostering dialogue and cooperation across borders, the AGA, ECA, and BGC are taking a proactive approach to safeguarding the integrity of the legal gaming industry and ensuring its continued growth and success,” Miller added.
“The European Casino Association stands united with the AGA and BGC in its commitment to addressing the key issues facing all gaming industry stakeholders”, stated Erwin van Lambaart, Chairman of the European Casino Association.
“The ECA fully backs this initiative and supports the ongoing efforts to rigorously combat illegality within our industry, continuously strengthen player protections and security, and ensure the creation of an environment that fosters innovation and growth within the gaming community. On behalf of the ECA, I look forward to participating in the forthcoming law enforcement roundtable and to sharing the benefits of these learnings with our members.”
Betting and Gaming Council CEO Grainne Hurst, said, “This partnership marks a new chapter in our shared vision to build a world-class, trusted and sustainable betting and gaming industry. BGC members are rightly proud of their reputation as global leaders, and they know the power of collaboration. Working together with the AGA and ECA, I am confident our shared knowledge and expertise will be vital to bolstering safer gambling standards while tackling the threat of the growing and unsafe unregulated gambling black market in the UK.”