AGA, ECA, and BGC Join Forces to Combat Illegal Gambling

The American Gaming Association (AGA), European Casino Association (ECA), and the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) have officially partnered to address the growing challenges within the global gaming industry. With illegal gambling posing a threat to regulated markets and responsible gaming gaining international focus, these three leading organisations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster collaboration across borders. This strategic partnership brings together the expertise and resources of the AGA, ECA, and BGC to strengthen efforts to fight illegal gambling, enhance responsible gaming standards, and drive innovation within the industry. Learn how this international collaboration aims to shape the future of legal gaming, improve industry standards, and tackle critical issues affecting operators and players worldwide.

AGA, ECA, and BGC Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Combat Illegal Gambling and Boost Responsible Gaming

The American Gaming Association (AGA), European Casino Association (ECA), and Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote cooperation and tackle key challenges in the global gaming sector. This strategic agreement will enable the three organisations to collaborate on several shared priorities, including combating illegal gambling, advancing responsible gaming practices, and driving innovation in regulated markets.

A Unified Effort to Tackle Global Gaming Issues

The MoU is seen as a crucial step towards fostering global cooperation in the gaming industry. By pooling resources and sharing expertise across jurisdictions, the AGA, ECA, and BGC aim to mitigate the growing threat posed by illegal gambling operations. Additionally, the agreement sets the stage for the three organisations to collaborate on responsible gaming initiatives, ensuring that operators and regulators continue to prioritise player welfare.

In a joint statement, the organisations highlighted their commitment to addressing cross-border issues that affect both gaming operators and consumers. “The collaboration formalised by this MoU represents a significant milestone in our collective efforts to combat illegal gambling, promote responsible gaming, and foster innovation in regulated markets,” the statement read.

Law Enforcement Roundtable: The First Initiative

The first initiative under the MoU will be a law enforcement roundtable scheduled for January 2025. This roundtable will bring together key stakeholders from the gaming industry, law enforcement, and regulatory bodies to address the pressing issue of illegal gambling. Discussions will focus on improving cross-jurisdictional communication and developing effective strategies to counter unregulated gaming operations that undermine the legal market.

As part of the MoU, each organisation will contribute its regional expertise. The AGA will bring insights from the rapidly expanding US gaming market, where legal sports betting continues to grow at an unprecedented pace. The ECA will provide valuable knowledge of the European regulatory landscape, and the BGC will offer its expertise in fostering responsible gaming standards in the UK.

A Growing Global Industry

The signing of the MoU comes at a time when the gaming industry is experiencing significant growth. For example, the AGA recently forecast that legal sports wagers on the 2024 NFL season would reach $35 billion, up from $26.7 billion in 2023. This growth is attributed to the expansion of regulated sports betting markets in several US states, including Maine, North Carolina, and Vermont.

The MoU aims to harness this momentum, ensuring that the industry remains competitive while addressing key concerns, such as protecting players from illegal gambling operations and promoting responsible gaming practices.

A Milestone for Global Collaboration

The MoU between the AGA, ECA, and BGC marks a significant step in strengthening global cooperation in the gaming industry. By aligning their efforts, these organisations are taking proactive measures to combat illegal gambling and enhance responsible gaming standards across borders. The upcoming law enforcement roundtable in January 2025 will be the first of many initiatives to ensure that the gaming industry remains secure, innovative, and player-focused. This collaboration sets the tone for future partnerships, offering a framework for addressing the ever-evolving challenges in the global gaming landscape.