British bookmaker William Hill has become a champion of responsible gaming in New Jersey and, in the process, helped improve the image of iGaming across the US.
Announced on March 20, William Hill has donated $50,000 to the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ). Using funds received from a recent settlement with FanDuel, the operator is funding a new gambling awareness campaign video.
Push to Promote Responsible Gambling
As well as making a five-figure donation, William Hill will work with CCGNJ to promote responsible gambling across its platform and the Garden State as a whole.
Commenting on the contribution, CCGNJ executive director Neva Pryor said her organization isn’t opposed to gambling. However, it wants to use the money to ensure families and vulnerable people are protected from any potential harm.
“The Council and its Board are neither for nor against gambling, but if you do gamble, do so responsibly. A new video has been produced through this generous contribution and targets the family to let them know that they are not alone and that there is support, treatment and hope through the 800-GAMBLER phone number and the 800GAMBLER.org website,” said Pryor.
Although a single donation won’t completely change the face of online betting and gaming in the US, it will help. As states weigh up the potential pros and cons of regulation, any efforts by gaming companies to reduce the impact of problem gambling could tip the balance.
Gesture of Goodwill Could be Good for All
Indeed, one of the main arguments put forward by those opposed to all forms of online gaming in the US is the risk it poses to minors. Although claims from Sheldon Adelson and his supporters have been largely debunked, there is still an air of caution within certain states.
By showing that it’s willing to work with a responsible gaming authority, William Hill is sending out a positive message to wavering politicians. In fact, with recent statistics showing that regulation produces more responsible gamblers, the gesture of goodwill could continue the momentum started by the demise of PASPA.
For William Hill, the donation will further its recent expansion efforts in the US. However, the effects could have much wider ramifications. As well as painting online gaming in a better light, other operators may choose to follow suit. GVC Holdings has already partnered with Harvard Medical School to tackle problem gambling. If William Hill’s contribution causes a domino effect, it could benefit the US gaming industry as a whole.