Rush Street Interactive 1st U.S. Operator to Receive Ontario Responsible Gaming Accreditation

U.S.-based sports betting and iGaming operator Rush Street Interactive has cleared a major hurdle in its Ontario sports betting launch plan.

The Chicago-based operator announced Thursday it is the first operator from the U.S. to receive three-year accreditation from the Responsible Gaming Council’s RG Check Accreditation Program.

The program has been embedded into the requirements for all iGaming operators entering the Ontario market legally.

The move means that RSI’s two Ontario properties, BetRivers.com and PlaySugarHouse.com, are in line to launch operations when the full Ontario sports betting market opens April 4.

It also represents the next step in RSI’s evolution when it comes to responsible gaming, according to Richard Schwartz, who serves as the operator’s chief executive officer.

“Receiving RG Check Accreditation is a testament to our commitment and execution of RSI’s corporate social responsibility strategy, which includes the continued implementation of the Company’s responsible gaming initiatives,” Schwartz said in the company press release. “We want to ensure our valued customers and employees are equipped with the tools and resources necessary to help ensure a culture of safe, fair and fun gaming experiences.”

Where the Ontario Market Stands

Rush Street Interactive said in Thursday’s press release it plans to go live when the full Ontario sports betting market launches April 4.

Companies entering the Ontario market must receive the Responsible Gaming Council’s seal of approval, in addition to being granted licensure for sports betting and iGaming activities from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario and iGaming Ontario (iGO).

The RG Check accreditation process helps gambling venues and Ontario online casino sites evaluate, monitor and manage all aspects of their responsible gambling operations, the release said.

The program is comprised of nine standards and 48 criteria that measures the effectiveness and scope of an operators’ RG programming, including assisting players who may be experiencing harm from gambling, according to the release.

"RG Check is a clear demonstration that an operator prioritizes and embeds responsible gambling into the core of its operations," Shelley White, CEO of the Responsible Gambling Council, said in the press release. "This achievement represents RSI’s commitment to transparency, player safeguards, duty of care and continuous improvement, as well as contributes to creating a culture of responsible gambling and sustainable play. RG Check is an invaluable tool for managing risk and increasing the effectiveness of RG programming. RGC is proud to provide continuous support to RSI’s harm minimization efforts."

The RG Check program is already used by land-based casinos in Ontario. RG Check was developed by the council in 2021, working with policy makers, operators, players and people living gambling addictions and those who had experienced gambling harm, according to a news release.