4 Steps For a Responsible Casino Game Plan
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.
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

Responsible gaming means enjoying sports betting as a fun and leisurely activity. But, players must 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.

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.
Resources for New England’s Gamblers
National – National Problem Gambling Helpline
New England –
- New England Gamblers Anonymous Website: http://newenglandga.com/
- CONNECTICUT & WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS
- Maine Council on Problem Gambling website
- 2-1-1 Maine serves as Maine’s Problem Gambling Hotline. Trained specialists are available 24/7:
- The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services is responsible for general health and addiction services in this State and may also have information on problem gambling.
- New Hampshire Council on Problem Gambling (not an NCPG Affiliate)
- Helpline: 603-724-1605
- Email: probgambnh@aol.com
- http://nhproblemgambling.org
- Massachusetts – Office of Problem Gambling Services
- Helpline – If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with gambling and needs support, please call 1-800-327-5050 or visit https://gamblinghelplinema.org/ to speak with a trained specialist.
- 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
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.
Let’s keep recreational gambling, well, recreational!
Binbin