Yesterday marked the start of Responsible Gaming Education Week

“Responsible gaming begins before the customer walks through the doors of the casino,” said Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the American Gaming Association. “Our industry takes problem gambling seriously and commits millions of dollars each year to raise awareness among our employees, who watch for signs of problem gambling, and our patrons, to help them game responsibly.”
 
As part of its “Get to Know Gaming” campaign, the AGA is encouraging the industry to “Get to Know Responsible Gaming” throughout the entire year. Gaming companies dedicate millions of dollars annually to educate patrons and employees about responsible gaming and to recognize the signs of a gambling disorder.
 
Even though 70 percent of casino visitors say they’re middle class and a plurality earns USD 60-USD 99,000 a year, nearly three quarters of casino visitors set a budget before they walk in the door, and most spend less than USD 200 dollars, according to a recent survey conducted by leading political pollsters Mark Mellman and Glen Bolger. The poll also found that most casino visitors go to a casino to have fun, socialize with friends and family, take in a show or concert or eat at a fine dining restaurant.
 
The AGA has developed resources for member companies to use during RGEW and throughout the year to promote responsible gaming and social responsibility, both of which are principles of the gaming industry and not limited to one week per year.
 
RGEW, held annually during the first full week of August, was created by the AGA in 1998 to increase awareness of problem gambling among gaming industry employees and customers and to promote responsible gaming nationwide.