New York's Responsible Play Partnership Reviews Additional Strategies for Combating Compulsive Gaming
In a bid to curb problem gambling, Governor Kathy Hochul has recently signed a new law that tightens regulations on gambling advertisements in New York. This move is part of a series of collaborative measures announced by the New York State Responsible Play Partnership (RPP).
The RPP, which comprises the New York State Gaming Commission, the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), and the New York Council on Problem Gambling (NYCPG), has been at the forefront of these efforts. Dr. Chinazo Cunningham, commissioner of OASAS, highlighted the ongoing commitment to problem gambling protections and the state's efforts to help individuals affected find necessary help.
One of the key changes in the new law is the mandate for warnings about gambling's addictive risks alongside the already-required problem gambling hotline. This is aimed at providing timely help to those who need it and ensuring industry employees know how to address the issue.
Jim Maney, executive director of NYCPG, emphasized the role of casino staff as the first line of support. He announced the release of comprehensive, online and on-demand training for all casino staff in New York State. This training is intended to equip them with the necessary skills to recognize signs of problem behavior and connect guests with resources.
Del Lago Resort & Casino, which collaborates closely with RPP members in promoting responsible gaming, emphasizes the ability of their teams to recognize signs of problem behavior and connect guests with resources. Lance Young, general manager of Del Lago Resort & Casino, reiterated this commitment.
The RPP's focus is on immediate support for individuals in crisis, enhanced training for gaming staff, and detailed data collection from mobile sports wagering operators. New regulations will require annual reporting from mobile sports wagering operators. The reports are intended to help understand the impact of mobile sports wagering on New Yorkers.
In addition to these measures, the RPP has announced a partnership with BetBlocker, a free self-exclusion software tool. This partnership aims to empower players to manage and restrict their gambling habits across numerous gambling operator websites and apps, thereby helping to reduce gambling-related harm. BetBlockerβs localized and accessible services are now being extended to the U.S. market through this partnership, supported by members of the Responsible Online Gaming Association (ROGA), which covers about 90% of the regulated U.S. gambling market.
Caesars Entertainment has also articulated its commitment to responsible gaming through a multi-tiered strategy. Their approach includes 24/7 support tools, public awareness campaigns, player and employee education, and funding for responsible gaming research and awareness groups. This program is part of a broader, planned $250 million investment over 10 years aimed at improving quality-of-life issues in Times Square, including measures to mitigate problem gambling.
Together, these initiatives by New York stakeholders represent some of the recent, significant collaborative measures to curb problem gambling by enhancing education, technology-based self-exclusion tools, direct support, and community investment. The New York State Voluntary Self-Exclusion program allows individuals to bar themselves from any regulated gaming, and self-excluded individuals may opt-in to be contacted by the OASAS HOPEline starting November 12, 2024. The OASAS HOPEline will provide free, confidential support from trained counselors to self-excluded individuals.
These efforts demonstrate a comprehensive approach to addressing problem gambling in New York, with a focus on education, technology, and community support.
In line with these comprehensive measures, Caesars Entertainment has announced a commitment to sports betting responsibility, incorporating 24/7 support tools, player and employee education, and funding for research and awareness groups.
Del Lago Resort & Casino, along with New York State gaming commission, OASAS, and NYCPG, is strengthening gambling responsibility by equipping staff with training to recognize signs of problem behavior and connect guests with resources, including the BetBlocker self-exclusion software.
