NY Regulators Make Responsible Gaming Education Month Statement

Members of New York’s Responsible Play Partnership (RPP) have acknowledged this year’s Responsible Gaming Education Month (RGEM), which is recognized throughout September.

In a statement released Friday, the RPP says it will continue to support the efforts of gaming operators in the state to promote safe and responsible gambling.

“We are proud to recognize Responsible Gaming Education Month and applaud the gaming industry for taking steps to protect patrons,” said New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) chair Brian O’Dwyer. “In New York we understand that combatting problem gambling is a year-round responsibility with all stakeholders – gaming operators, regulators, advocates and clinicians – working together to make a safe and responsible gaming environment.”

The New York Council on Problem Gambling (NYCPG), which is part of the RPP, added that it will continue to improve the state’s self-exclusion program, a voluntary measure prohibiting individuals from wagering at any legal gaming venue (retail or online) in New York. The RPP will look to add additional support options, such as scheduling HOPEline follow-up calls for individuals who decide to self-exclude.

“We support the gaming industry’s efforts to prevent problem gambling, and are proud of the relationships we’ve formed between gaming operators, treatment professionals and regulators to achieve a common goal – protecting New Yorkers from the harms of problem gambling and ensuring that help is available for those who need it,” said Jim Maney, executive director of the NYCPG.

About the RPP

The RPP – which consists of the NYSGC, NYCPG, and the New York State OASAS – was established in 2013 to bring together industry stakeholders and address problem gambling by establishing close working relations between gaming facility operators and addiction treatment providers.

As part of its ongoing efforts to promote and support safer gambling in the state, the RPP works closely with its gaming industry operators to provide them with the tools and resources to foster a responsible gaming environment.

“As opportunities for gambling continue to increase, it is vital that we ensure all New Yorkers are able to access help and support for problem gambling, in all areas of the state,” added Dr. Chinazo Cunningham, Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) commissioner.

“Working closely with our partners in the Responsible Play Partnership, we continue to expand and enhance our continuum of gambling services throughout New York, as well as educate the public about the importance of responsible gambling and the steps they can take to avoid risks of developing a gambling addiction.”

For its contribution to the RPP, OASAS will continue to analyze data on self-excluded individuals to inform public awareness campaigns and services further.

Other initiatives

Recently, the RPP announced it was creating enhanced training materials to educate video lottery and commercial casino employees on how to recognize problematic gambling patterns and how to interact with and help such patrons.

Additionally, the RPP requires all New York sports betting and iGaming operators to publish regular and comprehensive plans that show how they will train employees on responsible gaming issues, the services and information they provide to their patrons, and any other safeguards.

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