Recreational Gambling Is Responsible Gambling

Once each year, we look at the seriousness of problem gambling. March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month. It’s not a fun topic to bring up for a casino website, but necessary. 2021 is a priority for responsible gaming. Many recreational gamblers have been looking forward to getting back to the casino after the pandemic. The addition of legal sports betting in Rhode Island and New Hampshire and the push for sports betting and/or iGaming brings more concerns. Remember, Recreational Gambling Is Responsible Gambling. It’s Problem Awareness Month.

Other factors are coming into play. The idea of cashless casino play is exciting and daunting at the same time. Responsibility will be key to innovations on the casino floor.

MARCH IS PROBLEM GAMBLING AWARENESS MONTH!

Research and Facts About Responsible Gambling

• Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM) reports that approximately 2 million (1%) of U.S. adults are estimated to meet pathological gambling criteria.
• Another 4-6 million (2-3%) would be considered problem gamblers. For many, responsible gambling instead is a hidden addiction.
• March Madness entertains an estimated $10 billion placed on the NCAA basketball championship games. Calls to the National Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-522-4700) spike an average of 30% during the month.

America’s Continued Acceptance

American acceptance of gaming is at an all-time high. Casino gamblers are actively practicing responsible gaming. In fact, bettors report setting budgets and sticking to them. Moreover, they are aware of available responsible gaming resources.

According to the research:

• 9 in 10 casual bettors set a budget before they visit a casino;
• 90 percent of those visitors report success in tracking their spending; and
• 8 in 10 casual casino visitors and 9 in 10 avid casino visitors are aware of responsible gaming resources.
• Over 60 percent were in favor of the casino industry as it boosted the local economy, while 88 percent said gambling is just another form of entertainment.

Podcasts and Resources – Recreational Gambling Is Responsible Gambling

• Connections: Healthy Gaming & Gambling” (fellow NCPG Affiliates Evergreen & Oregon Council collaboration)
• Radio Show: WFAN’s Craig Carton weekend. You can hear Cousin Vito’s interview with Craig Carton on Cousin Vito’s Casino Podcast. “Surviving Problem Gambling with Craig Carton.”
• Fold em offers straight talk about dealing with the fall-out from gambling. Whether you are looking at stopping or scaling back your own gambling or helping a family member with a problem, this podcast will get you taking back control. Hear from gamblers who have been through it—tips from counselors.

Gambling Companies Also Looking to Help

Everi, IGT, and Aristocrat, a few of the industry giants, have worked with the AGA.  Check out these articles from the AGA’s website:

Everi Provides Tools To Help Customers Play Responsibly

IGT Helps Operators Protect Players and Keep Gaming Fun

Resources For You or Someone You Care For

Every casino in New England has some form of help. Resources include:

• Self-exclusion programs and live chat links on websites for immediate help.
• Some states offer state hotlines like the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling.
• National Council on Problem Gambling website. 
• Concerned about your own gambling?  Take the 20 Question Check at Gambler’s Anonymous.  

Wouldn’t it be great not to have to worry?

Related Post – Don’t Give In To Casino Trickery.

Binbin – Embrace the Awareness of Responsible Gambling

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