March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month and some of the country’s largest operators are upping the ante for responsible gambling initiatives.
MGM Resorts International and BetMGM are rolling out new responsible gambling tools for both in-person and online gaming as part of their GameSense platform.
FanDuel Group created an advertising campaign to highlight the online operator’s responsible gambling tools, including deposit and wager limits. FanDuel also donated $100,000 to the National Council on Problem Gambling, the Washington, D.C.-based organization group behind Problem Gambling Awareness Month.
In 2003, the NCPG launched Problem Gambling Awareness Week. The effort evolved into a month-long campaign in 2014.
Responsible gambling QR codes on Borgata slots? Yep
MGM Resorts announced that slot machines on its casino floors — including at Atlantic City’s Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa — will now have scannable QR codes. Those codes will direct players to responsible gambling resources through GameSense.
Additionally, more than 180 MGM Rewards desk employees have completed a GameSense Advisor training program.
MGM Resorts CEO and President Bill Hornbuckle said the following in a statement:
“As we enter our fifth year with GameSense, we remain focused on offering new and innovative resources to our guests, designed to increase responsible gaming awareness and to promote healthy play. GameSense remains an instrumental part of our guest service model and we’re confident that it has and will continue to make a difference.”
Promoting, encouraging responsible gambling behaviors
BetMGM — a 50/50 partnership between MGM Resorts and Entain plc — will now be fully integrated with GameSense. That includes mobile apps and desktop versions.
What does that mean for players?
BetMGM users can access information on setting betting limits, common gambling myths and resources for individuals and families.
The operator said it would “proactively promote and encourage responsible gaming with customers,” through GameSense.
Adam Greenblatt, BetMGM CEO, said this in a press release earlier this month:
“Our industry is expanding at a rapid rate as more markets legalize sports betting, and we’re committed to growing the right way. It is important to empower and educate our customers, and the enhancements we’ve invested into GameSense within BetMGM provides the best information and guest services for players to bet responsibly.”
A much-needed betting commercial
FanDuel, well known for its flurry of TV, radio and online sports betting commercials, launched “The System” on March 3.
The ad campaign will “drive awareness and usage of FanDuel’s responsible gaming tools,” the company said. Those tools include bettor-friendly deposit, wager and time limits.
Furthermore, FanDuel and WFAN-NY sports radio host Craig Carton (whose own gambling addiction is well documented) are partnering up. Carton’s weekly show called “Hello, My Name Is Craig” focuses on problem gambling behaviors and support.
Here’s what Adam Warrington, FanDuel’s vice president of responsible gaming, had to say:
“We’re fully committed at FanDuel to developing useful tools and programs that make a difference in responsible gaming. Our new ad campaign and Craig Carton’s content aim to bring an important spotlight to our player control tools that help customers keep sports betting fun and entertaining.”
Responsible gambling in NJ
In New Jersey, the onus of promoting responsible gambling is on licensed operators.
State law requires operators to enforce self-exclusion and include responsible gambling language in all advertisements or promotions.
A portion of state gaming taxes goes to the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey.
The CCGNJ offers educational and support services for people affected by problem gambling. Its toll-free hotline, 1-800-GAMBLER and website, www.800GAMBLER.org, are available 24 hours a day.
NJ officials and state gaming regulators annually recognize March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month. Gov. Phil Murphy issued a proclamation acknowledging PGAM and the NJ Casino Control Commission formally adopted a resolution in support earlier this week.
“I commend Felicia Grondin (CCGNJ executive director) and the CCGNJ for its very important role in giving people hope for what is known to be a treatable illness,” said NJ CCC Chairman James Plousis.