The Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA) has partnered with the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) to launch a certification program for online operators, marking a significant step in the industry’s commitment to responsible gaming.
This new initiative will audit ROGA members across critical areas. That includes player self-exclusion policies, marketing practices, staff training, and the deployment of player support tools. Its goal is to go beyond regulatory compliance and set a higher bar for accountability and long-term responsible gaming practices.
According to ROGA, the certification will provide independent validation of operator performance, creating a pathway for continuous improvement. The association emphasized that this effort reflects its mission to drive progress “beyond regulatory minimums” while reinforcing trust with players and regulators alike.
It is not the first collaboration between ROGA and RGC. Both organizations have previously worked together on research to increase player engagement with responsible gaming tools and on initiatives to expand public awareness around safer gambling.
Right on Time
Given the growth of the industry as well as concerns about player protection, this extended push could not have come at a better time. ROGA’s executive director, Dr. Jennifer Shatley, framed the initiative as a critical step in building a sustainable online gaming sector. She noted that a trusted, evidence-based framework is essential for operators who want to demonstrate real accountability. With the certification in place, Shatley explained, operators will have a tangible way to show players that they are committed to responsible practices and to empowering consumers with better decision-making tools.
Sarah McCarthy, CEO of the Responsible Gambling Council, echoed the sentiment, highlighting that the program builds on RGC’s years of experience developing RG Check as a trusted standard in the field. She positioned the collaboration as a milestone for transparency, accountability, and consumer protection within online gaming.
Keeping the Industry Safe and Competitive
The certification program arrives at a moment when online gaming operators across North America and beyond face mounting scrutiny from regulators and consumers alike. With the industry experiencing rapid growth, balancing profitability with player protection has become a defining challenge.
This is, however, not just a competitive differentiator. For operators, certification may also serve as both a safeguard against regulatory risks and a way to strengthen brand trust in an increasingly crowded market. If successful, the program could set a precedent for the broader online gaming ecosystem, shaping how responsibility and sustainability are measured in the years to come.
