ROGA Releases Marketing and Advertising Code for Responsible Online Gaming
The Responsible Online Gaming Association (“ROGA”) released a new Marketing and Advertising Code establishing voluntary standards for responsible marketing across the regulated online gaming industry.
The Code has been adopted by all ROGA members and focuses on four areas: age protections, marketing content, digital advertising, and responsible gaming practices. Among other requirements, the standards prohibit marketing designed to appeal to minors, require clear disclosure of promotional terms and paid influencer relationships, and discourage messaging that presents gaming as a financial strategy.
The Code also calls for operators to provide responsible gaming resources and avoid targeting customers who have been identified as having responsible gaming concerns.
ROGA Executive Director Dr. Jennifer Shatley said the standards are intended to keep pace with changes in technology and digital marketing while strengthening consumer protections.
“Technology, digital platforms, and the ways players engage with online gaming continue to change, and responsible marketing practices must also evolve to meet this moment,” Shatley said. “By voluntarily aligning around a common, enforceable set of standards, ROGA member operators are demonstrating their commitment to responsible marketing and to strengthening consumer protections across the regulated industry.”
The Marketing and Advertising Code will also become part of ROGA’s upcoming independent Certification Program, where member compliance will be evaluated as part of achieving and maintaining certification.
The full Code is available here.
New MGCB Chair James Townsend Presides Over Inaugural Meeting
At the Michigan Gaming Control Board’s (“MGCB”) August 4, 2026 public meeting, newly appointed Chair James H. (“Jim”) Townsend shared a few words with the Board as he began his new role as Chair.
Townsend was appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer effective August 1, succeeding Jim Ananich. With a background in law, government, economic development, and the Michigan Legislature, Townsend brings a range of experience to his new position.
During his remarks, Townsend spoke about his years in public service and said he was honored to have been selected for the position. He also highlighted the important role the MGCB plays in Michigan’s economy and discussed the challenges that gaming can present for both young people and adults.
Watch Townsend’s full remarks from the August 4 Board meeting here.
For more information about Townsend’s appointment and background, click here.
Michigan iGaming, Online Sports Betting Operators Report $346.13M in July Revenue
On August 18, 2026, the Michigan Gaming Control Board (“MGCB”) reported that commercial and tribal operators generated $346.13 million in combined internet gaming (“iGaming”) and online sports betting gross receipts in July, a 1.4% increase from June.
iGaming generated $302.77 million in gross receipts, while online sports betting generated $43.36 million. Combined adjusted gross receipts (“AGR”) totaled $321.42 million, including $290.65 million from iGaming and $30.77 million from online sports betting.
Compared with June, iGaming AGR increased 0.5%, while online sports betting AGR increased 52.7%. Year-over-year, iGaming AGR increased 23.6% and online sports betting AGR increased 28.8%. Online sports betting handle totaled $355.2 million, down 3.0% from June.
Operators paid $63.3 million in taxes and fees to the State of Michigan, including $61.2 million from iGaming and $2.1 million from online sports betting. The three Detroit casinos also reported $14.09 million in wagering taxes and municipal services fees to the City of Detroit, while tribal operators reported $8.4 million in payments to governing bodies.
AGEM Names 2026 Memorial Award Recipients
The Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (“AGEM”) has named David Lucchese and Marcus Prater as recipients of its 2026 Memorial Awards, recognizing their contributions to the gaming industry.
Lucchese will receive the Jens Halle Memorial Award for Excellence in Commercial Gaming Professionalism, while Prater will receive the Peter Mead Memorial Award for Excellence in Gaming Media & Communications. The awards honor the legacies of Jens Halle and Peter Mead and recognize professionals who reflect their contributions to the industry.
Lucchese brings more than 35 years of gaming industry experience, including leadership roles with Bally, Aristocrat, Global Cash Access, and Everi. He also served as AGEM president and has been involved with the organization since 2015.
Prater served as AGEM’s executive director from 2008 to 2022, helping expand the organization into a globally recognized trade association representing gaming suppliers. His career has included roles with casino operators and gaming suppliers.
The awards will be presented during an exclusive event at the Global Gaming Expo (“G2E”) in Las Vegas on September 30, 2026.
NCLGS Winter Meeting Registration Opens for Savannah
Registration is now open for the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States (“NCLGS”) Winter Meeting, which will take place December 9-12, 2026, at the JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District in Savannah, Georgia.
The meeting will bring together legislators, regulators, and gaming industry leaders for discussions on current gaming policy issues, networking, and industry education.
The winter agenda is yet to be announced, but the summer meeting included panels on prediction markets, illegal gambling, pari-mutuel wagering, responsible gambling , and more.
Early-bird registration is available through October 16.
MGCB Executes Search Warrant at Muskegon Bar in Illegal Gambling Investigation
On August 19, 2026, the Michigan Gaming Control Board (“MGCB”), along with the Michigan Attorney General’s Office and Muskegon Police Department, executed a search warrant at DJ’s Pub in Muskegon as part of an ongoing investigation into suspected illegal gambling activity.
Investigators seized three suspected illegal slot-style gaming machines, $1,200 in gift cards, $3,874 in suspected gambling proceeds, and related records from the business. No arrests have been made, and the investigation remains ongoing.
The investigation began after the MGCB received a tip in January alleging that DJ’s Pub was operating unlicensed gaming machines and paying winnings in cash and gift cards. Investigators later observed the machines in operation during multiple visits to the establishment.
“Illegal gambling machines operate with no oversight, no consumer protections, and no accountability,” MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said. He added that the search reflects the Board’s continued efforts to enforce Michigan’s gaming laws and address businesses operating unlicensed gaming devices.