Conscious Gaming, the independent philanthropic organisation established by GeoComply, has launched Bettor Safe, a national campaign to educate consumers about the risks of betting on illegal websites, and the benefits of legal and regulated gaming options if they choose to wager.
Accompanying the national launch is the roll-out of two state-specific initiatives, namely Bettor Safe New Jersey and Bettor Safe Pennsylvania, with the firm asserting a goal of having a presence in other regions in due course.
Leveraging a multi-channel approach that will reach consumers through advertisements, videos, an informational website and state-specific resources, Bettor Safe aims to empower individuals to distinguish between regulated and unregulated sites.
“Bettor Safe underscores Conscious Gaming’s commitment to consumer protection and safety by directly educating individuals about the risks of unregulated online betting,” said Seth Palansky, Conscious Gaming VP of corporate social responsibility and communications.
“This campaign comes at a pivotal moment when American sports fans are gearing up for the NCAA basketball tournament amid a pandemic that continues to push individuals online.
“Now more than ever we must educate consumers and equip them with the tools to make more informed decisions about online betting.”
A survey of 500 adults conducted by Conscious Gaming on behalf of the Bettor Safe campaign found that 25 per cent of respondents in New Jersey and more than 30 per cent in Pennsylvania are unaware if online betting is legal in their state.
Furthermore, approximately 75 per cent of residents across both region’s could not, or are not sure if they could, differentiate between a legal and illegal betting site.
However, among those surveyed who currently bet online, 42 per cent cited safety and security as the most important aspects to them.
Kevin O’Toole, Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board executive director, added: “Educating Pennsylvanians about the security and safety advantages of legal online betting is critical.
“Approved operators in Pennsylvania have been vetted and they meet high regulatory standards which permits consumers to wager on legal sites, with the confidence that their funds and identity are secure and that regulated websites will be responsible and accountable.
“The Bettor Safe campaign is an important resource to empower consumers to identify and use these regulated sites in Pennsylvania.”
