Some awards are good for the bottom line. Some are good for the soul.
That’s the category achieved by Caesars Entertainment, which celebrated something beyond numbers July 19 in San Diego.
Caesars, one of the leading online casinos in New Jersey and top NJ sportsbooks, was awarded the Corporate Social Responsibility Award by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) at the National Conference on Gambling Addiction & Responsible Gambling.
Award recipients were honored for 2023 accomplishments in the field of problem gambling and responsible gambling.
Universal Exclusion helps Caesars earn responsible gambling award
Caesars – which of course operates Caesars Palace Online Casino NJ and Caesars Sportsbook NJ – won for pioneering Universal Exclusion and 21+ gaming policies launched last year.
Highlights included assembling and streamlining a national propertywide program to help gamblers play safely. Tools include self-exclusion, deposit and play limits, and a cool-off period.
All tools are optional, but easy to access for patrons.
In March 2023, Caesars expanded its self-exclusion program by applying the expansive universal exclusion policy across its robust gaming portfolio. Any Caesars patron on a statewide exclusion list in just one jurisdiction where it operates won’t be allowed to gamble at any Caesars brick-and-mortar facility or online.
This is a technological, as well as a moral, achievement. Coordinating all national systems on nearly anything is a daunting task. Devoting time, money, and resources to prevent abuse caught the eye of the NCPG.
Caesars long engaged with emphasizing responsible gambling
Caesars also adopted an enhanced 21+ gaming policy preventing individuals under 21 years old from using Caesars Rewards. No customers under 21 can wager on any Caesars Sportsbook, Caesars Racebook, or iGaming mobile apps.
“As the largest gaming company in North America, it’s our special obligation to ensure that we operate on standards driven by Responsible Gaming,” Tom Reeg, CEO of Caesars Entertainment, said in a press release.
“To be recognized for our work by the National Council on Problem Gambling and its members is a testament to the work and dedication of our team members and our belief that, together, we can create a space where our guests can play safely and responsibly.”
Reeg said Caesars has been a leader in responsible gaming since the launch of Project 21 in 1989. In addition to the Universal Exclusion and 21+ gaming policies, Caesars Entertainment’s responsible gaming initiatives include awareness and education training for all entertainment, sportsbook, and casino team members.
The company provides advanced responsible gaming training to over 1,800 team members to assist guests who may not be playing responsibly. A seven-member company council also oversees charitable contributions in the responsible gaming space. The council is dedicated to research, education, workforce development, and treatment of problem gambling, including serving on the Leadership Circle for the NCPG.
NCPG: Caesars has gone ‘well above and beyond’
The National Council on Problem Gambling is the only national nonprofit organization that seeks to minimize the economic and social costs associated with gambling addiction, including help promote responsible gambling in New Jersey. NCPG is neutral on legalized gambling and has slowly made the industry a partner in prevention.
Caesars, operator of the land-based Caesars Atlantic City, is just the latest company to take its turn in the spotlight.
“What’s impressive about this Caesars policy is that it covers iGaming and brick-and-mortar and that it’s across all their properties, regardless of state,” Cait Huble, the NCPG director of communications, told PlayNJ. “In many cases, policies can vary state by state. It is very challenging to implement that across the entire country. If somebody feels they need to opt out, they can opt out.
“Caesars has gone well above and beyond what is required by regulation.”
The conference and award ceremony constitutes one of the NCPG’s major yearly events. Others include Problem Gambling Awareness Month in March and the Gift Responsibly Campaign in November and December. That program cautions consumers about purchasing holiday lottery tickets for under-aged individuals.
“This recent conference is about celebrating the work being done in the industry, day in and day out,” Huble indicated. “Problem Gambling programs make sure the public is educated about its importance. We see this focus growing every day.”
