LAS VEGAS (March 11, 2025) – The Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) will stage a timely and crucial webinar addressing central issues of problem gambling. AGEM Director of Responsible Gaming Connie Jones will lead the new 30-minute webinar, “Seeking Understanding,” on March 18th at 9:00 AM PT.
Staged in recognition of Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM), this engaging webinar features Dr. Brett Abarbanel and Charmaine Hogan, two leading experts who will provide actionable insights to help attendees navigate this critical issue within their organizations and the broader industry.
Registration is available now at this link.
The webinar will seek to answer key questions such as:
- How do we increase public awareness that gambling addiction is a legitimate mental health issue?
- How do we ensure people know about the safeguards in place to prevent harm?
- And what can you do within your business to foster positive and informed conversations around this topic?
AGEM President and CEO Daron Dorsey said, “AGEM companies have embraced responsible gaming by providing information and safety features on games as well as working closely with the problem gambling community to expand understanding and reduce the stigma surrounding addiction. We are proud to host this webinar to raise and answer questions that are central to understand problem gambling.”
AGEM Director of Responsible Gaming Connie Jones said, “As we advance into the digital era there are increased opportunities through social media and other online channels to expand understanding around problem gambling. We salute the NCPG for their tireless efforts to raise public awareness through this important month-long event.”
Dr. Brett Abarbanel is Executive Director, International Gaming Institute at University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Her research explores the intersection of gambling with esports, video games and traditional sports. She also has extensive experience in gaming operations and technology, responsible gambling and community relations, and gaming history.
Charmaine Hogan is head of Regulatory Affairs at Playtech. She has proven to be one of the industry’s leading advocates for strong, effective regulation and the highest safer gambling standards. Her extensive experience includes a 6-year secondment with the European Commission as a gaming policy expert.
The 2025 PGAM theme, “Seeking Understanding,” highlights the need to recognize problem gambling as a serious but often misunderstood mental health condition. Despite the prevalence of gambling and gaming, public awareness about responsible gaming (RG) and problem gambling (PG) remains alarmingly low. This lack of understanding can lead to stigma, misinformation, and even non-evidence-based regulations.
About AGEM
AGEM is an international trade association representing manufacturers of electronic gaming devices, systems, lotteries, and components for the gaming industry. The Association works to further the interests of gaming equipment manufacturers throughout the world. Through political action, tradeshow partnerships, information dissemination and good corporate citizenship, the members of AGEM work together to create benefits for every company within the organization. Together, AGEM and its member organizations have assisted regulatory commissions and participated in the legislative process to solve problems and create a positive business environment. For more information, visit AGEM.org.