Responsible Gaming Education Month (REGM) is recognized throughout September for U.S. sportsbooks. In a statement last Friday, members of the New York Responsible Play Partnership (RPP) acknowledged Responsible Gaming Education Month. The RPP said they will continue to support gaming operators to promote responsible gaming. 

Chair of the New York State Gaming Commission Brian O’Dwyer spoke at the end of last week. He mentioned that targeting problem gambling in NY is a year-round issue the state needs to tackle, O’Dwyer also detailed how all stakeholders, gaming operators, regulators, advocates, and clinicians need to work together to promote responsible gaming. 

Additionally, the New York Council on Problem Gambling (NYCPG) noted they will continue to improve the state’s self-exclusion program. The NYCPG is part of the Responsible Play Partnership (RPP). New York’s self-exclusion program is a voluntary measure to prohibit an individual from wagering at any legal gaming venue in the Empire State.

What exactly does the RPP do?

The Responsible Play Partnership (RPP) was founded in 2013. Members of the RPP consist of the NYSGC, NYCPG, and the New York State OASAS. Their mission is to bring industry stakeholders together to address the issue of problem gambling. This is done by gaming facility operators and addiction treatment providers having a close working relationship. 

In New York, the RPP works closely with gaming industry operators. They provide them with tools and resources to help promote responsible gambling. Dr. Chinazo Cunningham is the commissioner of the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS). He mentioned how the RPP is working to educate the public about problem gambling. That includes avoiding the risk of developing a gambling addiction.

The RPP has released other initiatives

To help educate employees in New York, the RPP announced they are creating enhanced training material. They will be taught to the video lottery and commercial casino employees how to recognize problem gambling. Additionally, they will learn tactics on how to help patrons who are showing these signs. On top of that, the RPP will require sports betting and iGaming operators publish regular plans on how they will train their employees.