March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month. Subsequently, NETimeGambling begins its coverage of responsible gaming with the American Gaming Association’s 4 Steps For A Responsible Casino Game Plan.

According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM) has two goals:

  • To increase public awareness of problem gambling; and
  • To encourage healthcare providers to screen clients for gambling problems.

4 Steps For A Responsible Casino Game Plan

When casinos reopened, excitement and betting spilled over into understaffed casinos. The onslaught of gamblers continues as the gaming industry enjoys a considerable comeback and record revenue. Here are the numbers:

Is the gaming industry back to pre-Covid numbers? NO! They’ve passed them! 2021 Commercial Gaming Revenue Shattered Previous Industry Records! According to the AGA, 2021 set a new record as the highest-grossing year ever for the U.S. commercial gaming industry, reaching $53 billion in revenue.

And let’s not forget mobile gambling. Sports betting generated $57.22 billion in “handle” and $4.29 billion in revenue – jumps of 165 percent and 177 percent over 2020, respectively. 

Not A Fun Topic, But…

What better times to look inward and reflect on gambling addiction than these? We now use the euphemism “problem gambling,” much like “getting on,” to soften the blow for those who are getting old.

Posts about Problem Gambling are tough to write because many gamblers don’t want to acknowledge its presence in the industry. But the truth is, with the revenue increases and the addition of mobile gambling, significant concerns exist, such as problem gambling.

Remember this quote from the “Music Man?” (Hugh Jackman is the latest to star in the revival on Broadway). I’ve varied some words to match our topic.

“Friend, either you’re closing your eyes
In a situation you do not wish to acknowledge
Or you are not aware of the caliber of disaster indicated
By the presence of an [casino] in your community
Well, you got trouble, my friend, right here
I say, trouble right here in [insert your area]
The trouble with a capital “T.”
And that rhymes with [“G”], and that stands for [gambling!]

Don’t get me wrong; I love recreational gambling. It’s one of my favorite hobbies. But some of us are just maxed-out credit cards away from problem gambling.

Does the AGA Care Enough About Problem Gambling?

In short, The American Gaming Association cares about customers and problem gambling. Moreover, it is better to care since more Americans are gambling now and more at an earlier age than ever.

The American Gaming Association (AGA) makes responsible gaming a priority. Also, it promotes gaming literacy to casino customers. Industry leaders compose the AGA’s Board of Directors. As a result, these experts regularly convene to discuss various issues. Their membership includes:

  • Commercial and tribal casino operators
  • U.S.-licensed gaming suppliers
  • financial institutions
  • destination marketing organizations
  • food and beverage suppliers
  • and other critical stakeholders in the gaming industry.

Gaming Education Month – 4 Steps For A Responsible Casino Game Plan.

1. Set a budget and stick to it for a Responsible Casino Game Plan

4 Steps For A Responsible Casino Game Plan

Responsible gaming means enjoying sports betting as a fun and leisurely activity. But, players need to consider limited amounts of time, both the frequency and duration of visits. Therefore, a predetermined budget is necessary. You can establish your limits by developing a set of personal guidelines. One of the most important parts of responsible gambling is determining when and how much to gamble.

Related Post – Slot Machines and Bankroll

2. Keep it social: play with friends, family, and colleagues.

Gambling is a form of entertainment. Thus, responsible gaming means keeping gambling social and entertaining. Enjoy the camaraderie of those with similar interests and all the amenities.

4 Steps For A Responsible Casino Game Plan
Fun at craps

3. Be informed: learn the details of the games you play.

4 Steps For A Responsible Casino Game Plan includes utilizing resources. Many websites include “how-to” guides for playing games. Above all, visit The Wizard of Odds website.

Want to learn more? Use our NETG resources in the right sidebar and “Practice, Practice, Practice…”

4. Play with trusted, licensed, regulated operators.

State-licensed and regulated sportsbook operators are committed to responsible gaming practices. They are also ensuring that their staff is adequately trained. In contrast, Illegal and unregulated sportsbook operators do not have any responsible gaming measures in place, putting gamblers at a heightened risk.

Summary

In short, gambling is fun. Also, it can be relaxing, social, or act as a personal getaway. Also, gambling can be exciting, and achieving rewards for recreation is an excellent addition. But make a plan before you go. If the fun has stopped, pause to evaluate your time, effort, and money.

Stay tuned this month. Let’s keep recreational gambling, well, recreational!

Resources for New England’s Gamblers

National – National Problem Gambling Helpline

New England –

  • Rhode Island – Call the Problem Gambling Hotline, sponsored by the Rhode Island Lottery,
    • 1-877-9GAMBLE if you or someone you know may have a gambling problem. Available 24 hours a day to listen, help and provide information.
    • Treatment is available for those with or without insurance at locations throughout the State. Call Problem Gambling Services at 1-401-499-2472 for an appointment.
    • The Rhode Island Council on Problem Gambling (RICPG) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advocacy of research, prevention, education, and treatment for problem gamblers, their families, and the community.
  • Connecticut –
    • Responsible Play CT is a new resource developed in partnership with the Connecticut Council on Problem Gaming, the gambling industry, the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, and the CT Lottery.
    • The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS)Problem Gambling Services
    • CONNECTICUT COUNCIL ON PROBLEM GAMBLING – Tel: 959.230.4034 / Email: info@ccpg.org / Website: www.ccpg.org / Helpline: 888.789.7777

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