LAS VEGAS (September 14, 2020) – The Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) and its 184 member companies from 22 countries are proud to join the American Gaming Association (AGA) and all industry partners in celebrating Responsible Gaming Education Week (RGEW) – Sept. 13-19, 2020.

The event, created by the AGA in 1998, is held each year at this time and creates an opportunity for gaming companies individually and the industry as a whole to increase awareness of problem gambling and to promote responsible gaming programs nationwide. It also provides a specific opportunity to refresh employee training, promote transparency and gaming literacy to customers, and work with community partners on advancing responsible gaming initiatives.

This year’s theme is “Have a Game Plan.™ Bet Responsibly,” a campaign to educate new consumers and seasoned bettors alike on responsible sports wagering as legal sports betting continues to expand across the country. This public service campaign focuses on educating bettors on the principles of responsible sports wagering: setting a budget, keeping it social, knowing the odds, and playing legally.

AGEM’s efforts extend beyond education to include financial support of critical organizations and entities that provide problem gambling awareness, treatment and research. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, funding for problem gambling services in the state of Nevada was slashed this year by more than 40 percent. The AGEM-GLI Lasting Impact Philanthropic Initiative has stepped up with a $200,000 contribution over 2 years to the Dr. Robert Hunter International Problem Gambling Center in Las Vegas. Moreover, AGEM has been a longstanding contributor to the International Center for Responsible Gaming, the National Council on Problem Gambling, the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling and other worthy organizations.