JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Missouri casino employees are partnering with the American Gaming Association (AGA) to celebrate the casino industry’s 27th annual Responsible Gaming Education initiative. Casinos across Missouri will sponsor activities, provide free educational materials and promote responsible gaming during Responsible Gaming Education Month to increase awareness among patrons and reinforce education employees receive year round.
“As gaming expands into new markets and verticals, it’s more important than ever to keep customers at the heart of responsible gaming,” according to the American Gaming Association. “Playing smart isn’t a one-and-done move—it’s a cycle you return to every time you bet. A great betting experience begins before you place that first wager.”
AGA started the initiative in 1998 to promote responsible gaming practices nationwide. The event is part of a year-round focus on responsible gaming education for patrons and employees. The initiative is in association with North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL), the World Lottery Association (WLA) and other industry leaders. The initiative was expanded from one week to an entire month in 2022.
The American Gaming Association recommends the following strategies for developing a game plan for responsible play while keeping betting fun. More tips for responsible gaming are available at https://www.americangaming.org/rg/
- Set a budget and stick to it.
- Keep it social and play with friends, family, or others.
- Know the odds by learning about the game you’re playing.
- Play legally with licensed, trusted operators.
“We encourage all our guests to find their fun and gamble responsibly. This September, as part of Responsible Gaming Education Month, we’re raising awareness and promoting healthy gaming practices. Because we want everyone to know the difference between a good choice and a bad one. And what it can cost them,” said Hollie Norton, Executive Administrator at Hollywood Casino St. Louis and River City Casino & Hotel.
The Missouri Gaming Association and its casino company members sponsor and fund year-round programs to address responsible gaming issues. Every Missouri casino property has a designated employee who serves as the director of responsible gaming programs for that location.
“Responsible gaming is an ongoing priority of our Missouri casino employees, from top executives to front-line team members,” said Mike Winter, executive director of the Missouri Gaming Association. “During Responsible Gaming Education Month, our casinos expand on the work they do every day to inform employees and patrons about the issue.”
Missouri’s ongoing responsible gaming programs include:
- 1-800-GAMBLER – a statewide telephone crisis line and referral service for problem gambling;
- Project 21 – a scholarship competition for Missouri high school seniors that addresses underage gambling;
- Operation Bet Smart – a patron education program that focuses on compulsive gambling where Missouri casinos encourage their patrons to set their own limits and “bet smart”;
- Employee Training – Casinos employees receive training on the importance of responsible gaming, ways to prevent compulsive gambling, and resources they can offer to guests who request help.
- Alcohol Awareness Programs – promote responsible consumption of alcohol;
- Zero-Tolerance Policy for Minors – Employees are trained to spot possible minors (under 21 years of age) who attempt to enter the casino gaming area. If a minor is found in a casino, he or she is arrested;
- Statewide Self Exclusion – The state’s Disassociated Persons Program allows people to voluntarily ban themselves from all Missouri casinos. It requires problem gamblers to proactively manage their addictions by agreeing to stop visiting Missouri casinos; and
- Free Treatment –Provided through the Missouri Department of Mental Health and paid for by the Compulsive Gamblers Fund, which receives a portion of each patron admission fee paid by the casinos.
More resources are available at https://playsmartfromthestart.org
ABOUT MISSOURI GAMING ASSOCIATION
The Missouri Gaming Association (MGA) is the statewide trade association of the Missouri casino entertainment industry. Founded in 1993, the Missouri Gaming Association works to promote responsible gaming and increase awareness of the economic benefits of casinos in Missouri. The MGA and its casino company members sponsor year-round responsible gaming programs including the 1-888-BETSOFF crisis line and referral service, Project 21 scholarship competition, and Responsible Gaming Awareness Month. For more information, visit mga-new.instawp.xyz/.