The Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA) has introduced Know Your Play, a national initiative designed to educate college students about responsible gambling, financial literacy, and mental health. With online sports betting becoming increasingly popular among young adults, this campaign aims to provide essential tools to help students make informed choices while dispelling common gambling misconceptions.
Developed in collaboration with EPIC Global Solutions, Kindbridge Behavioral Health, and the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC), Know Your Play incorporates digital learning tools, in-person workshops, and financial literacy training. The campaign seeks to teach students key gambling concepts such as randomness and probability, helping them understand the nature of gambling outcomes. Select universities will host in-person sessions to offer a more hands-on approach, ensuring students have direct access to expert knowledge. Additionally, the initiative emphasizes financial literacy, guiding students on managing their money responsibly while addressing mental health concerns related to gambling, such as impulsivity and risk management.
Unlike past gambling education efforts that mainly focused on student-athletes, Know Your Play extends its reach to the entire college student population. The initiative aims to shift the perception of gambling from a way to make money to a form of entertainment. It also addresses key psychological aspects of gambling, including the illusion of control in sports betting, the role of randomness in outcomes, and the risks associated with impulsive decision-making. The program encourages students to set limits and recognize potential warning signs of harmful gambling behavior.
To ensure broad accessibility, all resources are available for free at knowyourplay.org, even for students who are not currently enrolled in a university.
Strong Industry Backing
The initiative has gained strong support from major gaming operators, with ROGA’s membership including industry leaders such as BetMGM, bet365, DraftKings, FanDuel, Bally’s, Fanatics Betting and Gaming, Hard Rock Digital, and PENN Entertainment. These companies represent 85% of the U.S. online gaming market, demonstrating a collective commitment to promoting responsible gambling and preventing harm among young players.
Daniel Umfleet, CEO of Kindbridge Group, for instance, acknowledged the financial and academic pressures students face and how these factors can impact their mental well-being. He noted that the campaign plays a crucial role in ensuring students have the necessary skills and knowledge to make informed gambling decisions.
