Survey Reveals: People in the US are Responding Favorably to Initiatives on Responsible Gaming
Each year in September, the American Gaming Association organizes Responsible Gaming Education Month (RGEM), an initiative aimed at promoting understanding of gambling and educating consumers. This marks the 25th ceremony of this month-long event.
The influential casino lobbying group in DC commenced the celebration by revealing how responsible gaming messages are being received by gamblers. For this purpose, they collaborated with YouGov, a market research and data analysis company. The survey results showcased that a majority of US gamblers, which constitutes 84% of the total respondents who have gambled at least once this year, are aware of a responsible gambling initiative. A closer look into the subcategory of gamblers who specifically participate in sports betting demonstrates that 91% of them have knowledge about such initiatives.
Cait DeBaun, the Vice President of Responsibility at the AGA, highlighted the significance of the industry’s efforts to foster trust, provide protection for responsible gambling, and incorporate tools which would encourage gamblers to play responsibly. The study results vouch for the effectiveness of these efforts.
As gambling continues to surge in popularity across the United States, a growing number of states are now home to casinos and sports betting facilities - 44 and 30, respectively. The sixth state to introduce iGaming is also participating in this trend.
Concurrently, the National Council on Problem Gambling declares March as the annual Problem Gambling Awareness Month.
Efficacy of Programs
Statutory requirements in every state where casinos are legal necessitate the provision or funding of resources that aide individuals with problematic gaming habits. YouGov's survey results showcased that approximately three-quarters of gamblers believe the available responsible gaming programs are effective in helping those in need.
One example comes from Pennsylvania, now the US' second largest gaming state after Nevada. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board runs a comprehensive initiative for problem gamblers, which can be found on the website responsibleplay.pa.gov. This platform contains an online assessment tool to assist gamblers in recognizing if they have a gambling problem and offers various means for problem gamblers to seek and obtain help.
Numerous states also provide self-exclusion options, such as exclusion from brick-and-mortar casinos, online gambling, sports betting, and video gaming terminals (VGTs).
"Responsible gambling is a top priority for the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board," stated Kevin O’Toole, the Executive Director of PGCB. "Our Office of Compulsive and Problem Gambling is dedicated to assisting individuals who struggle to keep their gambling in check."
A majority of these responsible gambling resources are provided free of charge or at a low cost.
Helpful Resources
The American Gaming Association's study uncovered the significance of several problem gambling resources, with many gamblers sharing that these tools help limit their play.
85% of the respondents acknowledged that employing deposit limits aided in responsible gaming, while 78% reported that time limits were effective, and 77% found betting limits useful.
As quoted on the GameSense website, "Learning about odds, randomness, and how the games work helps you make sensible gambling decisions."
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