Struggling with Gambling Addiction? Support is Available.
If you or someone you know is battling gambling addiction, contact the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) or Gamblers Anonymous. For immediate support call 1-800-GAMBLER.
What is Responsible Gambling?
Responsible Gambling (RG.org) is dedicated to fostering ethical and transparent practices that significantly reduce gambling-related harm. Through our detailed guides on responsible gambling, self-assessment tips, and objective sportsbook reviews, we equip our readers with the necessary tools to engage in sports betting in a fair, responsible, and informed manner, while actively promoting a culture of safety and awareness.
As a beacon in the North American gambling community, RG.org stands as a resource, and a trusted partner dedicated to guiding bettors towards informed and responsible gambling practices. Our mission is to foster a culture where betting responsibly is as fundamental as the act of betting itself.
Significance of the Responsible Gambling Badge
The RG Responsible Affiliate badge of approval marks affiliate sites as trusted members of the gambling community, demonstrating a commitment to the principles of responsible gambling and the publishing of accurate information.
Criteria for Awarding the RG Badge
Earning the RG Badge involves a stringent evaluation against a comprehensive checklist that encompasses transparency, honesty, and the promotion of responsible gambling behaviors.
Responsible Gambling Affiliate Site Evaluation Checklist
- Transparency in Promotions and Bonuses
Sites must present all promotional and bonus content accurately, without overpromising or creating unrealistic expectations about potential winnings. - Ensuring Clarity in Wagering Requirements
Detailed and clear communication of wagering requirements is essential, allowing bettors to understand the conditions attached to bonuses. - Communication of Gambling Risks
Effective risk communication is crucial, providing bettors with clear, accessible information on the potential dangers associated with gambling. - Integrity in Reviews and Gambling Guides
Reviews and guides must be comprehensive, based on factual data and personal experiences, and aim to aid bettors in making well-informed decisions. - Advertising and Misleading Claims
The integrity of advertising content is non-negotiable; all claims must be truthful and substantiated. - Quality of Content and Informed Decision-Making
The quality of content is assessed based on its ability to educate, inform, and promote safe gambling practices.
Process for Earning the RG Badge of Approval
The evaluation process is rigorous, involving both quantitative assessments and qualitative reviews by the RG.org team of experts.
Step 1: Apply
- Begin the certification process via application by the affiliate site.
- Affiliate sites interested in obtaining the RG Responsible Affiliate Badge can apply.
Step 2: Self-Assessment
- Affiliate sites conduct a preliminary evaluation based on the RG.org checklist.
- Using the RG.org provided checklist, the affiliate site assesses its own practices, including transparency in advertising, the accuracy of content, and the promotion of responsible gambling behaviors. This self-assessment is documented and submitted to RG.org for review.
Step 3: RG.org Expert Assessment
- Conduct a thorough review of the affiliate site's practices and content.
- A team of RG.org experts reviews the submitted self-assessment and conducts an independent assessment of the site’s content and practices. This review includes evaluating the accuracy of information, the presence of responsible gambling messages, and the overall ethical approach to promotions and affiliations.
Step 4: Awarding the RG Badge of Approval
- Officially recognize and certify the affiliate site as a responsible gambling promoter.
- If the affiliate site meets all the required criteria, the RG Badge of Approval is awarded. The affiliate site receives a certificate and digital badge to display on its platform, signifying its commitment to responsible gambling standards.
Feedback and Continuous Improvement for Affiliate Sites
Feedback is provided to sites that do not meet the criteria, with suggestions for improvement to help them reach the necessary standards for the RG Badge.
Impact of the RG Badge on Bettors and the Betting Industry
Enhancing Trust Among Bettors
- Increased Credibility: The badge serves as a mark of credibility, reassuring bettors that the affiliate site adheres to high standards of content accuracy and responsibility.
- Informed Decision-Making: Bettors are more likely to make informed decisions when they engage with sites that display the RG.org Badge, as these sites are required to provide clear and accurate information about gambling risks and rewards.
Contribution to a Safer Gambling Environment
- Standard Setting: The badge sets industry standards, pushing other sites to adopt similar practices to remain competitive and appealing to conscientious consumers.
- Reduction in Problem Gambling: By promoting tools and resources for responsible gambling, certified sites contribute directly to reducing the prevalence of problem gambling behaviors among their users.
Improved Regulatory Compliance
- Easier Compliance: Affiliate sites with the RG Badge are typically more aligned with national and international regulatory requirements, reducing the risk of penalties and legal issues.
- Proactive Policy Influence: Sites with the RG Badge may be more involved in shaping responsible gambling policies, leveraging their certified status to influence industry regulations positively.
Enhanced Industry Reputation
- Positive Public Perception: The broader adoption of responsible gambling practices, symbolized by the RG Badge, improves the public perception of the betting industry as a whole.
- Attracting Responsible Investors: Companies and investors looking to support ethical business practices are more likely to engage with sites that demonstrate a commitment to responsible gambling.
RG Responsible Affiliate Badge FAQs
About the RG Responsible Affiliate Badge
What is the RG Badge of Approval?
The RG Badge of Approval is a certification given by RG.org to online sports betting affiliate sites that meet stringent criteria for promoting responsible gambling practices. It signifies a site’s commitment to transparency, fairness, and player protection.
How can an affiliate site earn the RG Badge of Approval?
To earn the badge, affiliate sites first apply for an evaluation based on a detailed checklist that includes aspects such as accuracy of promotional information, clarity of wagering requirements, effective communication of gambling risks, integrity in advertising, and the overall quality of content.
Why is the RG Badge important to bettors?
The badge helps bettors identify affiliate sites that are safe, trustworthy, and committed to promoting responsible gambling. It builds confidence among bettors, ensuring that they are engaging with a site that prioritizes their well-being.
What does RG.org do to ensure the accuracy of information on certified sites?
RG.org employs a rigorous evaluation process that includes both automated tools and expert review. The organization also provides feedback and guidance to sites, helping them maintain or improve their standards to align with responsible gambling practices.
Can a site lose its RG Badge of Approval?
Yes, if a site fails to maintain the standards required for the badge, it can be revoked. RG.org conducts periodic reviews to ensure ongoing compliance with their criteria.
How does RG.org support bettors beyond certifying sites?
RG.org offers a range of educational resources, tools for setting personal gambling limits, and access to support services for gambling problems. Their platform also fosters a community where bettors can exchange experiences and advice, further supporting safe gambling practices.
Meet our Responsible Gambling Experts
Paruyr Shahbazyan
Paruyr Shahbazyan began his business career in 2000 as a private entrepreneur. Over thirteen years, he developed a deep understanding for business and leadership, laying a solid foundation for his professional journey.
In 2013, Paruyr stepped into the sports and betting industry as the founder and president of Bookmaker Rating. This online mass media platform, which he led until 2020, focused on providing in-depth analysis and insights in sports betting, earning a reputation for its quality content.
Continuing his innovative approach in 2022, Paruyr co-founded Azuro, a decentralized betting protocol. This venture showcases his dedication to integrating advanced technology in the evolving landscape of sports betting. Through these diverse experiences, Paruyr has continuously influenced and shaped the betting industry, driving new trends and setting high standards.
| Experience | Year |
| Engaged in private entrepreneurship | 2000-2013 |
| Founder and President at Bookmaker Rating, an online platform focused on sports and betting | 2013-2020 |
| Co-founder at Azuro, a decentralized betting protocol | 2022 |
"Innovation in sportsbetting comes from a deep understanding of both technology and the human element of sports."
- Paruyr Shahbazyan, Founder, RG
Principles and Ethics
Paruyr Shahbazyan's core beliefs lie in the power of informed decision-making and integrity in the betting industry. He understands that the foundation of successful betting is not just about odds and predictions, but also about the trust and reliability of the information provided. Paruyr advocates for a betting environment where transparency and knowledge are paramount, ensuring that bettors are well-equipped with accurate data and insights.
Strategic Vision
Paruyr's vision is to revolutionize the sports betting industry through the integration of technology. He sees the future of betting as a blend of traditional sports knowledge with innovative tech solutions, like decentralized protocols, to enhance user experience and fairness. His aim is to create platforms that are not only user-friendly but also uphold the highest standards of ethical betting, contributing to a more responsible and enjoyable betting culture.
Future Perspectives
Looking towards the future, Paruyr envisions a betting landscape that is more inclusive, technologically advanced, and globally connected. He anticipates a significant shift towards more decentralized and transparent betting systems, driven by blockchain technology. Paruyr is committed to being at the forefront of this change, continuously exploring new possibilities and innovations that can redefine what it means to engage in sports betting in a digital world. His focus is on building systems that prioritize user empowerment, fairness, and the global growth of the sports betting community.
Sol Fayerman-Hansen
Sol has over 20 years of experience in writing for diverse industries including sports, gambling, regulation, technology, and startups. As the Editor-in-Chief at RG, Sol brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role, focusing on delivering transparent, evidence-based content grounded in thorough research. Sol's mission is to empower readers to enjoy gambling responsibly and make informed decisions, enhancing their overall experience through insightful and engaging content. Under Sol's leadership, RG prioritizes the highest standards of integrity and reliability, ensuring that all information provided is accurate and trustworthy. Sol's dedication to transparency and research-based writing helps create a responsible gambling environment where readers can truly benefit from the content. This commitment to excellence has positioned RG as a leading source of information in the gambling industry.
Experience:
- Over 20 years in writing and editing across multiple industries
- Former head of regional innovation at BMO Financial Group
- Senior Writer, Online Casino Reports
Cristina Varela Galan
Cristina used to work as a Psychology Assistant in the Bizkaia Pathological and Risky Gamblers Association. She was also part of a research team in Deusto University, specializing in pathological gambling area. While working there, she managed to develop her own project
“Exploring the association between emotional regulation, alexithymia, stressful life events and gambling in adolescent and young adult women”.
Nick Ashbourne
Nick has been fascinated with sports since he was first taken to a Toronto Maple Leafs game back in 1998, and he's written about them professionally since 2014.
Nick has covered baseball and hockey for outlets like The Athletic, Sportsnet, and Yahoo Sports, and his sports betting expertise has grown since its legalization in Ontario in 2022.
Between 2022 and 2023 he worked for a betting startup called NorthStar Bets, and in 2024 he contributed to Oddspedia before joining the Responsible Gambler team.
Sergey Demidov
Sergey has been in sports journalism since 2007 as a reporter, editor, and manager. He has covered the Olympic Games, soccer World Cups, the World Cup of Hockey in 2016, the European championships, the Stanley Cup Finals, IOC events, and many others. Sergey interviewed the sport's greatest athletes, coaches, and executives. Since 2016, he has been an Independent Senior Editor of NHL.com/ru.
Anna Kravtcova
Ph.D. in organizational psychology, an internationally certified psychologist (EuroPsy 2022, Cognitive behavioural therapy of mindfulness 2020, International Society for Emotional Intelligence 2017, Russian Psychological society 2014, American Psychological Association(Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychologist) 2011), speaker of many international conferences (USA, Brazil, Portugal, Czech Republic, Russia, etc.). TEDx speaker.
