In a significant step towards promoting responsible gaming, the Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA) has announced a new initiative focused on the college demographic. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by university students, ROGA plans to launch the National College Education Campaign in early 2025. This program aims to provide essential information about responsible gaming (RG) and financial literacy to a generation that increasingly engages with gaming.

ROGA Executive Director Dr. Jennifer Shatley, emphasized the importance of targeting this age group. “One of our mission pillars is education and awareness campaigns in general,” she stated. “We want to do that across a diverse audience, so different campaigns will connect to and resonate with different audiences. This is an important demographic. This is where we wanted to start, especially knowing that there really aren’t a lot of resources out there for this age group.”

The campaign’s development will be supported by partnerships with Epic Global Solutions, Kindbridge Behavioral Health, and the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC). The collaboration is expected to yield a comprehensive program tailored to the distinct needs of college students, employing various digital delivery tools to reach them effectively.

Dr. Shatley highlighted the program’s breadth, noting its focus on essential life skills, regardless of whether students engage in gaming activities. “What’s great about the program is that it’s very comprehensive,” she remarked. Students will gain valuable insights into budgeting, saving, and understanding the risks associated with debt—knowledge that can benefit them throughout their lives.

Understanding that students primarily interact with content on their devices, the program will deliver resources through platforms they frequently use. “I’m excited to be partnering with content experts and organizations that already do a lot of things with this age group,” Dr. Shatley added. The Responsible Gambling Council has extensive experience in engaging university students across Canada, positioning them well to present these ideas in an appealing manner.

Dr. Shatley also pointed out the necessity of correctly identifying and defining problem gambling. “I think in general, and not just for this population, there has been a longstanding stigma around problem gambling,” she explained. “This is not about willpower, it’s not about some moral issue. This is really a mental health issue, and there are resources for assistance.” By raising awareness and destigmatizing problem gambling, the program aims to encourage students to seek help if needed.

Delivering an Important Message

The initiative’s objectives extend beyond awareness-raising. According to Teresa Fiore, VP of Partnerships at EPIC Global Solutions, the campaign seeks to educate all college students, not just those involved in athletics. “Having delivered in-person education to over 50,000 NCAA student-athletes and staff, EPIC Global Solutions is delighted to work with ROGA to extend this important message to all college students,” she stated.

The financial literacy component of the campaign is particularly vital in today’s economic climate. As students gain independence, the skills to manage finances responsibly become crucial. The program will teach them how to view gaming as a source of entertainment rather than a means to earn money, helping them set healthy boundaries around their gaming activities.

Daniel Umfleet, founder and CEO of Kindbridge Behavioral Health, emphasized the necessity of this balanced approach. “Partnering with ROGA on this national education campaign is a crucial step toward providing young adults with the tools and knowledge they need to make informed, financially responsible decisions about gaming,” he explained.

To foster a thorough understanding of gaming and its associated risks, the program will address common myths and misperceptions, particularly regarding the illusion of control in gaming scenarios. It will demystify complex concepts such as odds and probability, ensuring that students make informed decisions.