This week, we are participating in the American Gambling Association’s initiative on “Have A Game Plan.” New England, sparked by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, has introduced GameSense to the northeast. Here is our report, GameSense, a Powerful Tool for Responsible Gambling.
What Is GameSense?
GameSense is an innovative and comprehensive responsible gaming strategy. As a result, it was adopted by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. The primary purpose is to keep gambling fun for all players. Plainridge Park Casino and Raceway first introduced GameSense when it opened in 2015. All Massachusetts casinos use GameSense tools.
Incidentally, GameSense is also licensed and piloted at MGM Resorts International casino properties. The Connecticut Lottery has also followed suit.
Where Can I Find GameSense If I Have Questions?
GameSense Info Centers are located on-site at all Massachusetts casinos. Operation hours are 16 hours a day/seven days a week. There, GameSense Advisors usually have professional gaming experience to help any patrons. It’s also a nice place to sit and take a break. Players can seek support from a GameSense Advisor for tough questions concerning personal gambling habits.
GameSense Advisors help patrons learn about myths associated with gambling and the odds of playing games. Furthermore, guests can also receive extensive training. Areas of concern could include responsible gambling techniques, problem gambling behavior, and local resources for help.
If you feel that gambling is no longer fun, GameSense offers resources to help you take control.
GameSense
GameSense is a Powerful Tool for Responsible Gambling
Help Brochure
Resources, tools, and support are found in this brochure called “Where To Find Help and Information.”
Voluntary Self-Exclusion
This tool has been around for many years and is used by most casinos across the country. Problem gambling is usually at the root of this application. With this in mind, this serious tool is designed to help those with self-control issues. It allows gamblers to voluntarily exclude themselves from the gaming floor for a pre-determined time.
Patrons must complete the form voluntarily. After completion, entering or attempting that casino can bring arrest and a trespassing charge.
PlayMyWay – A Free, Optional Budgeting Tool
PlayMyWay is a simple way to personalize your play. It is only available at this time at Plainridge Park Casino. This innovative budgeting tool is an exclusive offer for mychoice ® members. (However, Hollywood Bangor does not offer PlayMyWay, a mychoice ® rewards club). And it’s entirely voluntary.
Enrolling in PlayMyWay is simple. First, insert your mychoice ® Card into a slot machine or other electronic gaming device. After this, the option to enroll on the spot or to decline is provided.
You can set your daily, weekly, or monthly spending if you enroll. Furthermore, you’ll get automatic notifications after approaching 50%, 75%, and 100% of your budget. You can enroll, adjust your budget, or un-enroll in PlayMyWay anytime. In addition, you can choose to stop at any point or keep playing.
First-time enrollees in PlayMyWay also receive a one-time $5 food credit that players can use at select food vendors at Plainridge Park Casino.
What Do Other New England Properties Offer
Self-Exclusion Programs are available at most New England properties. However, Mohegan Sun is the only other to offer something different.
Mohegan Sun uses Play+ with your Momentum Rewards card. It is suitable for cashless and bankroll management. But even so, it lacks the support for guests available from GameSense. For more information, log in to your Momentum Card and click on Momentum Play Plus. Also, For more information on Play+, click HERE for their link.
Back To GameSense in Massachusetts
Both MGM Springfield and Plainridge Park have made GameSense a priority. Moreover, they wish to help their guests have a safe and responsible experience. Unfortunately, Encore Boston Harbor has not made it a priority on its website.
Thank You, Massachusetts
Thank you for considering responsible Gaming an essential part of everyone’s responsibility – especially the casinos themselves.
Binbin