Confronted by the escalating trend of unregulated ‘skill’ slot machines, the American Gaming Association (AGA) has heightened its vigilance.
This move underscores the broader conversation concerning regulated gambling in the United States. The AGA has identified machines that are being advertised as ‘games of skill’ to skirt gambling laws as a rising concern.
Not only do these often operate beyond legal oversight, but they also do not adhere to responsible gaming measures.
The problem lies in the fact that the machines can potentially lead to addictive behaviors. Detailing the issue in a statement, the AGA said, “Unregulated gaming machines that purport to be games of skill are spreading across the US and pose significant consumer protection concerns.” The unchecked spread of these machines is providing a platform for activities that fall outside the scope of responsible gaming.Tackling the subject further, the AGA explained that this gray area in the legal gambling landscape needs a sharper focus.
They assert that the machines are growing in number and that the laxity in regulatory oversight exacerbates societal hazards. Enter the AGA, who, championing responsible gaming, is standing up to this unregulated arena.
They believe these ‘skill’ slot machines can be as potentially addictive and harmful as regular, regulated gambling machines, thereby underscoring the need to contain their rise in the market.This latest shift by the AGA forms part of the organization’s wider commitment to responsible gambling.
While the issue of unregulated ‘skill’ slot machines presents a complex challenge, the AGA has vowed to remain vigilant and proactive in its approach.
Historically, the AGA has been an advocate for the benefits of a well-regulated gambling industry.
Founded in 1994, the AGA has been a proponent of regulatory oversight, industry transparency, and consumer protection in the US gaming industry.The presence of ‘skill’ slot machines, or ‘Skill-Based Gaming Machines (SBG)’, has grown exponentially in recent years.
While these machines initially emerged as curated experiences combining the element of chance with player skill, there are concerns that unregulated SBGs have strayed from this vision. There is growing consensus that unregulated SBGs pose the same risks as traditional slot machines, without consumer protections in place.
Given this, the AGA’s call for more oversight is firmly in line with their mission and history of promoting a safe, responsible gaming environment.
