ROGA assembles its first ever advisory committee to drive RG standards
Trade association forms four-person group featuring regulatory veterans to lead on evidence-based responsible gaming best practices in the US
The Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA) has formed its inaugural advisory committee for the US gaming industry, featuring former New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement chief David Rebuck.
The four-person committee, comprised of former regulators, responsible gaming researchers, and problem gambling clinicians, will help steer evidence-based responsible gaming best practices across the US.
Rebuck, who stepped down as director of New Jersey’s gambling regulator earlier this year, will add to his remit as a special adviser at IC360 in joining ROGA.
Former chair of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission Cathy Judd-Stein and James Whelan, who holds roles as both the executive director at the Tennessee Institute for Gambling Education and Research (TIGER) and a clinical psychologist at The Gambling Clinic, have also joined the group.
The final member is Kahlil Philander, who works as assistant professor at the School of Hospitality Business Management at Washington State University.
ROGA said the committee was formed to give an “institutional yet independent voice on responsible gaming-related topics.”
These include industry and regulatory concerns, best practices, consumer behavior, research developments, and any technology that may impact the gaming industry.
The committee will also help develop ROGA’s existing initatives, such as the creation of an independent data clearing house and certification program.
ROGA executive director Jennifer Shatley said: “We are delighted to welcome the new advisory committee as we set an agenda to be a constructive resource for regulatory bodies, operators, and the larger responsible gaming ecosystem, providing evidence-based research and recommendations and helping to build collaborations that promote responsible gaming.”
Formed in March 2024, ROGA members include bet365, BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, and PENN Entertainment.
Hard Rock Digital, Fanatics Betting and Gaming, and most recently Bally’s Corporation are also members of the trade association.
Rebuck added: “I’m honored and excited to join ROGA’s talented team of leaders as it endeavors to identify and develop best practices to enhance responsible gaming initiatives.
“I look forward to participating in a collaborative and comprehensive engagement with academic researchers, industry experts, and responsible gaming practitioners as we collectively work to establish standardized practices, and the issuance of high-quality guidance, education, and awareness programs.”