JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Missouri casino employees are partnering with the American Gaming Association (AGA) to celebrate the casino industry’s 26th annual Responsible Gaming Education initiative. Casinos across Missouri will sponsor activities, provide free educational materials and promote responsible gaming during Responsible Gaming Education Month to increase awareness among patrons and reinforce education employees receive year-round. To date, Missouri Casinos have contributed more than $5.4 million to the Compulsive Gamblers Fund.
“As gaming expands into new markets and verticals, it’s more important than ever to keep customers at the heart of responsible gaming,” according to the American Gaming Association.
AGA started the initiative in 1998 to promote responsible gaming practices nationwide. The event is part of a year-round focus on responsible gaming education for patrons and employees. The initiative is in association with North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL), the World Lottery Association (WLA) and other industry leaders. The initiative was expanded from one week to an entire month in 2022.
The American Gaming Association recommends the following strategies for developing a game plan for responsible play while keeping betting fun. More tips for responsible gaming are available at https://www.americangaming.org/rg/
- Set a budget and stick to it.
- Keep it social and play with friends, family, or others.
- Know the odds by learning about the game you’re playing.
- Play legally with licensed, trusted operators.
The Missouri Gaming Association and its casino company members sponsor and fund year-round programs to address responsible gaming issues. Every Missouri casino property has a designated employee who serves as the director of responsible gaming programs for that location.
“Responsible gaming is an ongoing priority of our Missouri casino employees, from top executives to front-line team members,” said Mike Winter, executive director of the Missouri Gaming Association. “During Responsible Gaming Education Month, our casinos expand on the work they do every day to inform employees and patrons about the issue.”
Missouri’s ongoing responsible gaming programs include:
- 1-888-BETSOFF – a statewide telephone crisis line and referral service for problem gambling;
- Project 21 – a scholarship competition that addresses underage gambling;
- Operation Bet Smart – an awareness program that focuses on compulsive gambling;
- Alcohol Awareness Programs – promote responsible consumption of alcohol.
“We encourage all our guests to find their fun and gamble responsibly. This September, as part of Responsible Gaming Education Month, we’re raising awareness and promoting healthy gaming practices. Because we want everyone to know the difference between a good choice and a bad one. And what it can cost them,” said Hollie Norton Executive Administrator at Hollywood Casino St. Louis and River City Casino & Hotel.
Various casinos throughout the region will be hosting special activities and initiatives, including:
Hollywood Casino St. Louis and River City Casino & Hotel
Both Hollywood Casino St. Louis and River City Casino & Hotel will have a representative from a local treatment provider who will share resources at information tables located in public areas. A “Well Played” responsible gaming theme will be shared through external communications, social media posts and digital displays across the property. A charitable donation will be made to a local behavioral health organization.
Ameristar Casino Kansas City
Ameristar Casino Kansas City will have responsible gaming collateral rotating on front of house and back of house digitals. Messaging also will be featured on social media platforms and the casino’s website. An awareness campaign for team members will include quizzes and prize drawings.
Ameristar St. Charles
Ameristar St. Charles will hold quizzes, play games and award prizes to team members throughout Responsible Gaming Month to continue both awareness and education.
Century Casino and Hotel Caruthersville
Century Casino and Hotel Caruthersville has planned employee events, games and prizes scheduled throughout September as well as training sessions with the team and educational displays in employee areas. A table with responsible gaming informational materials will be set up in the galleria area for guests.
St. Jo Frontier Casino
A table with responsible gaming informational materials will be set up in the galleria area for guests. St. Jo Frontier Casino employees will wear responsible gaming buttons to spread awareness Informational materials and quizzes will be placed in the break rooms and prizes will be awarded.
More resources are available at https://www.americangaming.org/stop-illegal-gambling
ABOUT MISSOURI GAMING ASSOCIATION
The Missouri Gaming Association (MGA) is the statewide trade association of the Missouri casino entertainment industry. Founded in 1993, the Missouri Gaming Association works to promote responsible gaming and increase awareness of the economic benefits of casinos in Missouri. The MGA and its casino company members sponsor year-round responsible gaming programs including the 1-888-BETSOFF crisis line and referral service, Project 21 scholarship competition, and Responsible Gaming Awareness Month. For more information, visit www.missouricasinos.org.
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