Responsible Gaming, Reimagined.
Play Smart from the Start reflects the gaming industry’s continued commitment to consumer education—built on positive play, player empowerment, and industry-wide alignment.
A New Standard for Responsible Gaming
As legal, regulated gaming expands and evolves across the U.S., so has the industry’s commitment to ensuring every player has the tools and information they need to play confidently and responsibly. Play Smart from the Start is the industry’s unified messaging platform that meets today’s players where they are—savvy, self-aware, and looking for entertainment on their own terms. Instead of focusing on risk or problem behavior, the initiative centers on three proactive habits that every player can use, every time they bet:
- Right State of Mind
Start every game with the right mindset—stay present, know your limits, and play on your terms. - Know the Game
Load up on knowledge to level up your play—know the rules, understand the odds, and bet with intention. - Act Intentionally
Take a pause to stay in control—set a budget, take breaks, and stay aware, win or lose.
Why It Matters
Journalists covering gaming, public health, policy, or consumer behavior are increasingly encountering questions about how the gaming industry supports its players. Play Smart from the Start offers a clear, consistent answer – backed by comprehensive research and industry-wide alignment.
What sets this platform apart:
- It’s designed for all players—not just those experiencing problem gambling.
- It’s grounded in player behavior research.
- It integrates seamlessly across physical and digital gaming environments.
- It reflects a unified effort from casino operators, sportsbooks, and suppliers nationwide.
Together, these components make Play Smart from the Start the legal gaming industry’s most robust and player-centric responsible gaming initiative to date.
Media Resources
To support your coverage, we offer a suite of materials that explain, visualize, and bring the Play Smart from the Start platform to life.
- Press Release – official program announcement and background
- Brand Assets – logos, campaign graphics, and creative samples
- Media Fact Sheet – quick reference on the pillars.
The AGA is committed to making responsible gaming a seamless part of the player experience. Part of the fun of gaming is that everyone plays differently, but no matter how or where you play, staying in control starts with habits that work for you. The Play Smart Consumer Hub provides players with straightforward, actionable tools to help them stay in control and keep gaming fun.
BILL MILLER, PRESIDENT & CEO, AMERICAN GAMING ASSOCIATION
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