NY’s RPP Discusses More Problem Gambling Prevention Measures

New York State’s Responsible Play Partnership (RPP) born as a means of uniting all stakeholders in addressing problem gambling and bridging gaps between gaming operators and treatment providers has announced a series of important collaborative measures to curb problem gambling. 

At a gathering at del Lago Resort & Casino, the RPP, comprised of the New York State Gaming Commission, the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), and the New York Council on Problem Gambling (NYCPG), reunited its efforts to focus on immediate support for individuals in crisis, enhanced training for gaming staff to recognize signs of problem gambling, and detailed data collection from mobile sports wagering operators to better assess its impact on New Yorkers.

RPP members discussed these updates with local service providers and casino management, throwing the focus on strengthening resources in the Finger Lakes and Central New York. 

Bringing “Timely Help to Those Who Need It”

As explained by the Gaming Commission’s executive director, Robert Williams, “These latest spans bring timely help to those who need it,” while making sure that industry employees “know how to address the issue.”

Williams, who was named acting executive director of the New York State Gaming Commission by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo in January 2013 and re-appointed and confirmed as executive director in 2019, added the measures are also meant to ensure that the commission obtains “meaningful data to properly scope mobile sports wagering’s reach.”

Additionally, OASAS’ commissioner, Dr. Chinazo Cunningham, highlighted the ongoing commitment to problem gambling protections, speaking about the state’s protections that help individuals affected find the necessary help. 

Cunningham added they would keep working with their colleagues toward the expansion and enhancement of these means of support.

Online and On-Demand Training for Casino Staff 

NYCPG executive director Jim Maney emphasized the role of casino staff as the first line of support. 

Maney explained that following a few “months of collaborative development with OASAS and the Gaming Commission,” they proudly released “comprehensive, online and on-demand training to all casino staff in New York State.”

Additionally, New York State’s Voluntary Self-Exclusion program enables individuals to bar themselves from any regulated gaming. 

Beginning November 12, 2024, self-excluded individuals may opt-in to be contacted by OASAS HOPEline and benefit from free, confidential support from trained counselors.

The Need for Annual Reporting 

To understand the impact of mobile sports betting on New Yorkers, new regulations will require annual reporting from operators. 

The reports will cover betting patterns and demographic data, including the total number of bets placed, the amount wagered, accounts opened and closed, and players’ engagement with responsible play tools. 

“These regulations will help ensure we have the right data to understand mobile sports wagering’s impact,” noted the Gaming Commission.

Del Lago Resort & Casino, praised for its commitment to responsible gaming, collaborates closely with RPP members. 

General manager Lance Young spoke about their teams’ ability to “recognize the signs of problem behavior and connect guests with the resources that can help.”

Additionally, Seneca County’s Margaret Morse praised del Lago’s commitment to prevention, responsible play, and treatment access, while Evan Ellison of Finger Lakes PGRC highlighted the positive community impact of their local support and ongoing partnership.

These initiatives reflect New York’s ongoing efforts to promote responsible play and address problem gambling across the state.

At the beginning of the month, Governor Kathy Hochul signed a new law tightening regulations on gambling ads in New York. The bill, S1550/A1118, mandates warnings about gambling’s addictive risks alongside the already-required problem gambling hotline.