As gaming expands throughout the country, the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States have adopted new guidelines to help jurisdictions develop responsible gaming standards.
The NCLGS is the only organization of state lawmakers to meet on a regular basis to discuss issues regarding gaming. The members of the council unanimously adopted a resolution on Friday, July 14, to help states develop robust responsible gaming standards, the council .
“Gaming in the United States is authorized and regulated at the state level, but states need guidance as gaming grows. This two-year effort by legislators is the first to leverage what we have learned for the benefit of our members as they grapple with this critical need,” NCLGS President Sen. Jon Ford of Indiana (D-38) said.
States Need Responsible Gaming Guidance
Research in developing the newly adopted resolution took more than two years, according to the council. More than 50 legislators, regulators, industry professionals, clinicians and community-based practitioners provided input.
The extraordinary, ongoing expansion of gaming into new forms across multiple states demands that lawmakers take necessary steps to protect their most vulnerable citizens. This resolution will help them meet that critical goal, said NCLGS President-Elect Shawn Fluharty, delegate of West Virginia.
NCLGS Vice President Rep. Christie Carpino of Connecticut (R-32) said responsible gaming issues for states have been at the top of the council s agenda for a while now.
Addressing problem gambling is at the top of the agenda for all of us at NCLGS. We urge all states that offer gaming to consider the guidance offered in this historic resolution,” Carpino said.
Four Main Suggestions for States
The adopted resolution makes four responsible gaming suggestions for states to follow who legalize sports betting or online gaming. The suggestions from the resolution are as follows:
Each state should publicize at least one accredited national problem gambling helpline number
State or jurisdictional advertising guidelines to ensure that marketing is target only to those of legal gaming age, that marketing follows standards to not offer content, themes, and promotions that have special appeal to consumers most at risk for problem gaming, and to ensure that there are programs that audit and monitor content of third-party marketing affiliates.
Policies and programs that enable customers to discontinue their play temporarily or permanently through exclusion programs statewide and across multiple jurisdictions.
Coordination of gambling exclusion lists to prevent people with gambling problems and those on exclusions lists from problems play in other states.
