As New York continues to expand its gambling industry, officials are highlighting services available to help prevent and treat problem gambling.

The New York Responsible Play Partnership is a tripartite organization involving the state Gaming Commission, the state Office of Addiction Services and Supports and the New York Council of Problem Gambling. Since its creation 10 years ago, its goal is to meet quarterly to discuss policy issues aimed at developing responsible gaming practices. 

Speaking at a press conference Monday at Rivers Casino and Resort in Schenectady, state Gaming Commission Executive Director Robert Williams touted some of the partnership’s achievements, such as creating the nation’s first lottery QR code, which provides direct access to problem gambling professionals. 

“Why are we holding a problem gambling awareness event in May when March has been designated Problem Gambling Awareness Month? Well, today’s event is because we want to ensure that proper attention is given to problem gambling during all 12 months of the year,” Williams said, adding most people who gamble do so responsibly. “For these people, gambling remains just a game, but for many, it’s not.”

In January, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office announced on the one-year anniversary of the state allowing mobile sports betting that more than $700 million in taxes were collected on the more than $16 billion wagered. Six million dollars of that revenue went towards funding problem gambling education and treatment. New York is currently accepting proposals to build up to three casinos in the New York City area. 

Officials promoted the state’s Voluntary Self-Exclusion program, which allows residents to voluntarily bar themselves from gaming activity for a set period of time. After they opt-in, they will be barred from all horse racing, off-track betting, video gaming and commercial gaming facilities and interactive fantasy sports activities in the state. They will also be prohibited from collecting any winnings or recovering any losses.

Amy McBride, assistant director of prevention at the state Council on Problem Gambling, said the VSE program allows people to fill out the forms from their home and to notarize the paperwork electronically. 

“People who struggle with a gambling problem often have a lot of shame and guilt and we want to remove that barrier,” McBride said. “We want to get people help, because it’s hard to ask for help. Think about a time in your life when you needed help for something, it’s hard to take that step, especially with a stranger and say, ‘I can’t do this alone, I need help.’”

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