RESPONSIBLE GAMING

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RESPONSIBLE GAMING

• NAGRA 25TH Annual Conference
• June 4, 2009
• Keith Whyte, Executive Director
• National Council on Problem Gambling

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About NCPG

• The national advocate for programs and services
  to assist problem gamblers and their families.
• NEUTRAL on legalized gambling.
• Founded in 1972.
• National grassroots non-profit with chapters in
  36 of 50 states (incl. WA)
• Work with government, gaming industry community.

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Core Programs

• Helpline Number (800.522.4700) Network
• Natl Problem Gambling Awareness Week
• Annual Conference on Problem Gambling Prevention,
  Treatment, Research Recovery (June 26-28, Long
  Beach, CA)
• Public Awareness Media
• Certification Administration
• ADVOCACY!

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Roles of Councils

• ONLY advocates for problem gamblers their
  families.
• Independent perspective, unaffected by money or
  morality.
• Innovative service delivery better, faster
  cheaper.
• Hub of information-work toward best practices.
• Work across the many boundaries, including
• State (MSAs, gambling on borders)
• Tribal
• Types of gambling (different regulatory agencies)

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What Can Regulators Do?

• What is the appropriate role in RG PG?
• Set standards.
• Enforce regulations.
• Provider of last resort?
• Three approaches to develop best practices
  legislation, regulation or litigation.

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PG Issues for Regulators

• PG is difficult complex health issue.
• Only ½ states provide public funding for PG
  services.
• Regulators as providers of last resort?
• Most jurisdictions without strategy on problem
  gambling (or gambling).
• But basic consensus on prevalence, risk factors,
  consequences and treatmentno excuse for
  inaction.

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RG Issues for Regulators

• Public access to data.
• Helplines (9-1-1 system).
• Duty of Care undefined in most statutes.
• Technology radically changes gaming (bingo).
• Maximize benefit while minimizing harm.

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Instant Ticket VendingMachines

• Most in non-age restricted locations
• Continues to spread in at least 20 states
• Lessons from tobacco vending machines?

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RG Machine Modifications

• Based on Research Player Data
• What operational modification most likely to be
  effectivefor PGs?for RGs?
• Limiting bill acceptors?
• No impact for either
• Capping max bet size?
• Likely helpful for PG
• Slowing speed of play?
• Likely harmful for PG!!!!

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National Council on Problem Gambling730 11th
Street, NW, Suite 601Washington, DC 20001Tel
202.547.9204Fax [phone]Email
keithw_at_ncpgambling.orgWeb www.ncpgambling.org