Responsible Gaming

Last week, the NCRG and AGA released the winter 2013 edition of Responsible Gaming Quarterly. While developing this edition of RGQ, we had the opportunity to learn more about a communitywide partnership effort in Toledo, Ohio, to increase awareness of gambling disorders. 

From government and law enforcement to social services, community leaders came together in 2012 to take the steps necessary to increase community involvement and address the issue through education initiatives. This initiative is called The Toledo Pledge.

Yesterday, the NCRG and AGA released the winter 2013 edition of Responsible Gaming Quarterly yesterday. In its 10th year, Responsible Gaming Quarterly is a free publication that provides a broad range of coverage on recent research results, regulatory efforts, studies and developments in the treatment field and best practices for community programs that encourage responsible gaming.

To coincide with its 10^th anniversary, the American Gaming Association (AGA) released an updated version of its Code of Conduct for Responsible Gaming, which reflects the various ways the gaming entertainment industry has evolved during the past decade.

This March, the Problem Gambling Council of Colorado (PGCC) and the Colorado Lottery joined forces to help students showcase their creativity and educate the community about gambling disorders and responsible gaming through the first “21 is a Must” scholarship contest. High school and college students from across the state were invited to create a poster educating youth about the age requirement for gambling and the warning signs of problem gambling. Entrants competed for two scholarships: the first-place winner received a $2,000 award and the runner-up was awarded $1,000. 

Even though Responsible Gaming Education Week only happens once a year, the American Gaming Association (AGA) and the National Center for Responsible Gaming (NCRG) focuses on responsible gaming year-round through programs and education initiatives. As in past years, the NCRG is joining with the AGA to encourage casinos and their patrons to understand how to gamble responsibly for Responsible Gaming Education Week, July 30 to August 3. During this year’s Responsible Gaming Education Week, we’ll use Gambling Disorders 360 to highlight some of the NCRG’s responsible gaming resources, as well as successful tools from other groups.

This spring, Tribal Government Gaming magazine published a feature article about the responsible gaming measures already in place at tribal casinos and how some of these operations are expanding their efforts to include science-based technological innovations. The article – “Tribal Responsibility: Addressing Responsible Gaming in Indian Country” – includes a look at how San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino is using the National Center for Responsible Gaming’s PEER program and EMERGE online employee training program to enhance existing training and “create a whole new level of awareness… about the science behind pathological gambling,” according to Dianna Scina, guest services director.