Colorado has it good given the consistent battles across the country to try and legalize gambling. The industry is regulated from the lottery to sports betting and horse racing. Not to mention the 33 casinos in the state.
At the same time, problem gambling is still an issue no matter what city, state, or country you live in. And it’s the responsibility of operators to protect their patrons.
March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month and while responsible gambling in Colorado is always a priority, this month focuses on bringing awareness to the issue and highlighting solutions.
Responsible gambling is a high priority in Colorado and the Colorado Department of Gaming oversees the initiative. The Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado has a 24-hour confidential helpline for those that feel they need it. Anyone looking for help can reach them in a few different ways:
- Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER
- Website: ProblemGamblingCoalitionColorado.org
- Email: [email protected]
BetMGM and GameSense launch responsible gaming campaign
As of Mar. 1 BetMGM in partnership with GameSense has pledged to include responsible gambling messages within marketing and advertising campaigns. Messages will be featured in their mobile app. As well as on billboard marketing via television, print and radio ads across North America.
The company also plans to place banners and messages on social platforms as well as on property at physical BetMGM sportsbooks. Adam Greenblatt, BetMGM CEO said:
“We are committed to leading the industry in promoting responsible gaming, which is why we’re announcing this unprecedented pledge to spotlight responsible gaming messaging in our advertising.”
$1.5 million dedicated to responsible gambling in Colorado and across the country
Just in time for Problem Gambling Awareness Month, the Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission approved the first round of Responsible Gaming Grant awards for a total of $1.571,965.
The three organizations granted awards are:
- Kindbridge Research Institute
- Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health
- Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado
This grant will go towards projects that address problem gambling. Specifically concerning addiction treatment, education, counseling, research efforts and general support.
Sportsbooks provide tools within apps to help promote responsible gambling
When walking into a casino, you have the option to self-exclude for some time. But what can you do if you have sports betting apps at your fingertips? BetMGM, FanDuel, DraftKings and other sportsbooks have built-in features to help customers gamble responsibly.
As mentioned on PlayColorado there are four main tools available along with self-assessment questionnaires to determine if you’re experiencing issues with gambling.
- Deposit limits: Apps will give you options to cap your deposit amounts whether it be daily, weekly, or monthly
- Betting limits: You can set a cap on how much you think you can comfortably wager at any given time
- Temporary timeout: If you think a short break is necessary, this feature allows you to take one for 24 hours or longer.
- Self-exclusion: This is a longer “break” you can set. There is no option to reverse self-exclusion until the time expires. The minimum time is a year or longer.
