FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 20, 2021
Contact: Danielle Frizzi-Babb, 216.774.5746, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Karen Russo, 216.774.5747, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Ohio Lottery First to receive highest rating for Responsible Gambling Verification Program
CLEVELAND, OH – The Ohio Lottery is the first state lottery to receive the rating of “exceeds standards” for the Sustaining Level of the NASPL/NCPG Responsible Gambling Verification Program.
The verification program is a joint effort between the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL) and the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG).
This standards and verification program was created in order to help lotteries plan and implement effective responsible gambling in all aspects of their operations, and recognize those that do it well.
The Lottery’s application was judged in eight categories. To receive the highest rating, the program application must meet the standards in all eight categories. In addition, the judges must agree that the lottery exceeds standards in four of the eight categories.
Judges concluded that the lottery exceeded standards in the areas of Employee Training, Public Education and Awareness, Research and Evaluation, and Advertising.
“The Ohio Lottery has always been committed to responsible gambling initiatives, and I’m proud of the work Karen Russo, our Director Responsible Gambling has done to grow the program to educate our customers and employees about responsible play,” Ohio Lottery Director Pat McDonald said.
The program was lauded for its use of highly respected RG specialists and a superb training video that allowed training to continue to take place virtually in the category of Employee Training. Assessors also applauded the Lottery’s efforts in providing RG awareness in multiple languages.
This year the Ohio Lottery has allocated $4 million for responsible gambling programs, including funding for prevention and treatment of problem gambling with treatment centers across Ohio and specialized trainings.
The Ohio Lottery dedicates funding for responsible gambling and problem gambling awareness campaigns, including Keep It Fun, Ohio. The Lottery's website, Keep it Fun, Ohio offers Ohioans the chance to learn ways to keep gambling within the limits and how to spot a gambling problem. The site also offers a direct line to help for those struggling with a gambling addiction.
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About the Ohio Lottery: The Ohio Lottery has contributed more than $27 billion to education since 1974. For more information about the Ohio Lottery and its contribution to education, visit www.ohiolottery.com/supportingeducation.