New York’s Responsible Play Partnership (RPP) has unveiled new measures in an effort to prevent problem gambling in the state.
The partnership coalition is formed of the New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC), the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), and the New York Council on Problem Gambling (NYCPG).
The first new measure concerns anyone currently signed up to the state’s voluntary self-exclusion scheme.
Starting November 12, players who have self-excluded can opt-in to receive free and confidential calls from a trained member of staff at the OASAS HOPEline.
In addition, the NYCPG has developed a new training program to further educate industry staff.
The new program will help staff to identify the symptoms, evidence and warning signs of gambling-related harm, in addition to how they should interact with someone exhibiting these signs.
The coalition has also asked sports betting operators to provide more detailed data to the NYSGC each year.
This data must include the total amount wagered and bets placed, the total amount and number of bets won, and the amount wagered on each sport. The figures should also show the number of accounts registered, including new accounts created, and the average account balance.
Operators must also provide data on how many people have self-excluded and closed their accounts. In addition, operators need to provide the player’s zip code, the total amount wagered, the number of bets placed, and the amount they have won or lost.
This data will also show on what day of the week and at what hour of the day the most bets and money were wagered.
Player data will include gender, ethnicity and race, if the player has provided this data voluntarily.
“The RPP was formed to bridge the gaps between all stakeholders to address problem gambling,” said NYSGC executive director Robert Williams.
“These latest spans bring timely help to those who need it, ensure that industry employees know how to address the issue, and ensure that we are obtaining meaningful data to properly scope mobile sports wagering’s reach.”
Jim Maney, executive director at the NYCPG, commented: “Casino industry staff are the front line when it comes to problem gambling and ensuring they are well trained to identify those who are struggling and offer the proper assistance is key.
“After several months of collaborative development with OASAS and the Gaming Commission we are proud to release this comprehensive, online and on demand training to all casino staff in New York State.”