Introduction to Responsible Gaming Education Month
September is Responsible Gaming Education Month, and New York State’s Responsible Play Partnership is working to promote safer gambling across all platforms. The partnership, which includes the New York State Gaming Commission, Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), and the New York Council on Problem Gambling (NYCPG), aims to support gaming operators in making gambling safer and more informed.
Raising Awareness and Expanding Training
The goal of the Responsible Play Partnership is to ensure that responsible gambling practices are a priority. To achieve this, the partnership is launching new tools and efforts, including:
- New training for casino and video lottery employees to recognize gambling-related harm and respond effectively.
- A Responsible Gambling Ambassador Training program from NYCPG, which focuses on real-world examples and interactive skills.
- A new responsible gambling webpage template for all New York-based operators, offering a unified message on harm reduction and support services.
According to Gaming Commission Chair Brian O’Dwyer, “Our goal is to ensure that responsible gambling practices are a priority. We applaud our partners for educating New Yorkers and creating a safe gaming environment.”
Improved Regulations and Better Data
Earlier this year, the state updated its sports wagering rules to require all operators to collect and report anonymized patron demographic data. This allows officials to better target educational efforts and treatment services. The Gaming Commission also held a listening session on advertising compliance, bringing together licensees and advocacy groups to improve how gambling ads present problem gambling resources.
Support for Those Impacted
New York remains the only state with a blanket voluntary self-exclusion program, which allows individuals to bar themselves from all legal gaming statewide. Through the program, users can also choose to receive a call from a trained HOPEline staff member. Additionally, outreach campaigns like “Take a Pause” are expanding across the state to help people recognize signs of problem gambling and connect with help.
Conclusion
Responsible Gaming Education Month is an important initiative that aims to promote safer gambling practices across all platforms. The Responsible Play Partnership is working tirelessly to support gaming operators and individuals affected by problem gambling. By raising awareness, expanding training, improving regulations, and providing support, the partnership is creating a safer and more informed gaming environment for all New Yorkers. As OASAS Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham noted, outreach campaigns like “Take a Pause” are crucial in helping people recognize signs of problem gambling and connecting them with help. By working together, we can create a more responsible and supportive gaming community.
