Gaming organizations in the US have recognized that underage gambling is an urgent problem that needs proactive attention. Recently, the New Jersey Lottery (NJL) and the American Gaming Association (AGA) started separate initiatives to address the problem.
The NJL launched their “Not 18 Yet? No Bet” awareness campaign last month, with the goal of helping reduce the participation of minors in any gambling activities, including the state lottery.
New Jersey law only allows people over the age of 18 to purchase lottery tickets. The campaign is aimed directly at the prevention of teen gambling, with persons under 18 in mind.
The NJL is working with the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ) on the initiative. Both organizations said they are renewing their commitment to the prevention of all types of underage gambling.
The campaign was kick-started at an event at a small lottery retailer in the Lawrence Township, NJ, and is set to continue throughout the state.
“Our state lottery has a longstanding commitment to promoting responsible play and discouraging underage Lottery play,” said NJL Acting Executive Director James Carey. “We work closely with the CCGNJ to raise awareness about the age restriction on lottery play in New Jersey and we support the council’s on-going efforts to prevent underage gambling.”
As part of the campaign, the NJL has designed an informative “Not 18 Yet? No Bet” brochure which offers detailed information about the types of underage gambling, tips on how to recognize problem gambling and other important information. The brochure will be available at more than 7,200 NJL retailers.
Among its efforts, the NJL has also been distributing pencils imprinted with the message: “LOTTERY IS NOT CHILD’S PLAY, You must bet 18 or older to play the NJ Lottery.”
The NJL also offers its 1-800-GAMBLER helpline number, which can be used by those who feel like they might have a gambling problem, with the number constantly flashing on the Lottery’s website and displayed on brochures and other visible locations as well.
Over the years, the NJL has been recognized as one of the most responsible gambling operators in the US, and has received various rewards for its responsible and safe gaming practices.
AGA launching RGEW initiative next week
Starting September 19 and running through September 25, the AGA will be run its Responsible Gaming Education Week (RGEW) initiative for 2021.
The event puts emphasis on the organization’s commitment to responsible and safe gambling practices, which the AGA has considered an integral part of the gambling industry since the early days of its operation.
Among other things, the RGEW initiative will provide opportunities to refresh employee training, promote education among the players, transparency among the organizers and discuss problem gambling and addiction on every level.
RGEW 2021 will present the Have a Game Plan campaign, which is designed to increase awareness or responsible gambling amid the fast-spreading legalization of sports betting across the US.
The campaign is designed to help gamblers avoid the common problems that gambling can lead to, while enjoying the hobby and educating themselves on how sports betting and other forms of gambling actually work.
