In recognition of the rapidly growing sports betting industry in the US, the PGA Tour has renewed its membership of the Leadership Circle of the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG).
This continuation of its NCPG membership has been accompanied by new membership of the Coalition for Responsible Sports Betting Advertising (CRSBA), a voluntary association of sports leagues and media entities set up by FOX and the NFL in 2023.
The objective of the CRSBA is to ensure responsible gambling principles are integrated into any advertising activity conducted by betting operators in partnership with sports organisations.
“With the proliferation of sports betting in the United States, the PGA TOUR remains committed to establishing a safe and healthy marketplace for consumers,” said Scott Warfield, PGA TOUR Vice President, Gaming.
“The TOUR is proud to stand alongside its fellow sports leagues and network partners on the coalition, as well as with our colleagues at NCPG, in our continued mission to educate fans on the merits of gambling responsibly and the resources available to address problem gambling issues.”
The federal ban on sports betting in the US under PASPA – which was passed back in 1992 – was repealed by the Supreme Court in 2018, with judges ruling that the legislation violated the 13th amendment.
Since then, the sports betting industry has grown at a rapid pace in the US with over 39 states plus the District of Colombia now open to some form of regulated betting, with some also allowing online casino gaming (igaming).
This has unsurprisingly been accompanied by an increase in sports marketing activity by betting operators, many of which have signed partnerships with some of the nations most widely followed sports tournaments.
The PGA Tour has been no exception to this, having partnered with the US’ second largest sportsbook by market share, DraftKings. This Boston-based operator has also partnered with the NBA and UFC.
By becoming a CRSBA member, the PGA Tour joins the NFL, MLB, MLS, NASCAR, NBA, WNBA, NHL, NBC Sports and FOX. The organisation operates to some key principles, such as ensuring betting is only marketed to people of the legal age, that it does not promote irresponsible gambling and that it is not misleading.
A Coalition statement read: “As the legalisation of sports betting spreads nationwide, we feel it is critical to establish guardrails around how sports betting should be advertised to consumers across the United States.
“Each member of the coalition feels a responsibility to ensure sports betting advertising is not only targeted to an appropriate audience but also that the message is thoughtfully crafted and carefully delivered.”
Keith Whyte, Executive Director of the National Council on Problem Gambling, added: “The PGA TOUR’s continuous investment in responsible gambling and problem gambling education initiatives exemplifies its leadership in navigating the evolving landscape of legalised sports betting with integrity and responsibility.”
