The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has rolled-out its plans as part of responsible gambling awareness month, as the state’s land-based and online sports wagering and gaming scene continues to go from strength to strength.
With the month-long initiative getting underway yesterday, the agency has detailed the launch of a new problem gambling website, stressing that while it “recognises that most individuals can gamble in a safe, responsible manner, not all are able to control their gambling behaviour”.
As part of the PGCB’s efforts to raise awareness of problem and compulsive gambling and provide both professionals and individuals with information, an updated website has debuted that provides information on how to recognise the warning signs of a gambling problem and to find treatment options that are available in Pennsylvania.
Elizabeth Lanza, director of the PGCB’s office of compulsive and problem gambling, explained: “Gambling addiction is real, is preventable and is treatable, and the PGCB and its partners want all PA citizens who face the perils of problem gambling to know that treatment is available and effective.
“This includes the launch of a new website with easy-to-find information on detecting a gambling problem along with various avenues available for help.”
Available via www.ResponsiblePlay.pa.gov as well as through the PGCB’s homepage, a number of events are due to be rolled-out through the month, beginning with a problem gambling awareness month kickoff event tomorrow.
For the duration of March staff with the PGCB’s Office of Compulsive and Problem Gambling are to work with a number of partner organisations, including the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, the Pennsylvania Lottery and the Council on Compulsive and Problem Gambling.
“Our agency has made outreach for individuals with gambling disorders a priority since the opening of the first casinos in Pennsylvania over 13 years ago,” added Kevin O’Toole, PGCB executive director.
“As new forms of gaming were rolled out over the past year, the PGCB made sure that new tools and resources, including online self-imposed limits and responsible gambling pages are available through each igaming site to assist individuals in gambling responsibly.”