As Colorado’s gambling industry grows, it’s vital that responsible gambling programs keep pace.
With that in mind, the Colorado Division of Gaming has partnered with the Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado to launch a voluntary self-exclusion program in the Centennial State.
This program is a priority of the division’s new director, Chris Schroder. He has championed responsible gambling at every stop he has taken throughout his career.
How the new self-exclusion program will work
In three years of Colorado sports betting, from May 2020 through April 2023, more than $12 billion has been wagered. The Colorado betting marketplace is thriving, which makes responsible gambling programs paramount. This self-exclusion program is a solid starting point.
The new self-exclusion program, which was launched during September’s Responsible Gambling Education Month, allows people to enroll in the program voluntarily. Doing so will exclude them from all Colorado regulated gaming. This includes casino gambling and sports wagering at both retail locations and online.
There are three timeframes that can be chosen: one year, three years or five years. People can sign up online, but there is also an in-person option. To do that, individuals visit a Division of Gaming office, fill out a form, have it notarized, and mail it back to the division.
The Colorado Division of Gaming (CDG) officially launched the self-exclusion program on Sept. 13. Schroder spoke about his excitement to get the program off the ground and thanked the Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado (PGCC) for its help.
“The Division of Gaming is committed to promoting responsible gambling in the Colorado gaming industry, and the launch of the state’s self-exclusion program is an exciting advancement for our state. We appreciate all of the work that the PGCC has done to get the self-exclusion program to this point. They are an excellent partner in this important work.”
New director makes responsible gambling a priority
Schroder has been working in the gaming industry in some form or fashion since 1999, when he was a cook at a horserace track. As he grew into bigger roles and worked his way through the industry, responsible gambling became a passion of his.
He has brought that passion to the CDG as its new director.
During Schroder’s time working in the gaming industry for Boyd Gaming, he had experience working with Colorado casinos. That gave him insight into the goals of regulators and needs of casinos and its players. Schroder told PlayColorado that that experience has prepared him for his new position in Colorado and he’s thrilled to join the team.
“When I previously worked in Colorado, I highly respected and appreciated the role of the Division of Gaming in regulating the gaming industry. To now be a member of this team, working alongside this group of dedicated experts in gaming, is truly an honor.”
With many things on Schroder’s plate such as the potential of adding online casinos, he is prioritizing responsible gambling.
Colorado self-exclusion program is just the start
Before former CDG Director Dan Hartman retired, he spearheaded legislation for responsible gambling in Colorado. Efforts created $2.87 million in funding for the PGCC. That money will help set up new programs, accumulate information on problem gambling in the state, and fund the process of certifying more gambling counselors.
Another $1 million was recently distributed in Colorado for responsible gambling marketing as well as an investment into the Kindbridge Research Institute for two projects. The first is the Colorado Athlete Wellbeing Program to counter online harassment athletes receive from sports bettors. The second project is the Colorado Military Problem Gaming Research, Education & Recovery Program.
There is also a 24-hour confidential helpline for Coloradans looking for help. It is run by an affiliate of the National Council on Problem Gambling and is offered in both English and Spanish. The helpline number is (800) 522-4700. Individuals can also access it online at ProblemGamblingColorado.org.
