Fri, May 6, 2022 1:35 p.m.
The New York State Gaming Commission, the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports and the New York Council on Problem Gambling – which together form the Responsible Play Partnership (RPP) of New York – met on Thursday with the general management of Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel to discuss measures taken to combat problem gambling.
Gaming Commission Executive Director Robert Williams launched signage showcasing the industry’s first-ever Quick Response (QR) code to connect problem gamblers with trained problem gambling clinicians where they live, in real time .
He said, “As the arena of gambling continues to expand in New York State, the commission and our partners are committed to making gambling safe and responsible for everyone. We are united to work together to ensure that people who need help have access to the tools and resources they need in a timely manner.
Once scanned, the QR code automatically links users to the Council on Problem Gambling website (www.nyproblemgamblinghelp.org), which provides access to a network of regional problem gambling resource centers supported by OASAS. The QR code is available on advertising and promotional materials issued by the Gaming Commission and its licensees. Applications include New York Lottery scratch tickets, promotional screens at nearly 15,000 lottery outlets statewide, mobile sports betting promotional mailings, complimentary messages on all verification signage over 18s displayed on racetracks and digital signage found on the playing field at video lottery gaming facilities and commercial casinos.
OASAS Commissioner Chinazo Cunningham said, “When an individual makes the decision to seek help for problem gambling, it is critical that a treatment link be made quickly. The QR Code is an innovative approach to connecting individuals to specially trained outpatient and inpatient treatment programs and private practitioners, statewide. OASAS is pleased to be a member of the Responsible Play Partnership, as we work to ensure that all New Yorkers who gamble do so responsibly and know where to get help if they need it.
Since its launch in January, the QR code has recorded more than 3,400 total scans and more than 900 unique scans.
RPP continues to explore ways to harness technology to provide immediate and lasting relief to those in need.
Council Executive Director Jim Maney said, “In the 10th year of RPP’s unprecedented collaboration, it is fitting that we focus on raising awareness of safety measures to protect NYers and celebrate the progress we are making. made to connect those in need of care. We look forward to the next steps in the evolution of problem gambling prevention in New York State. »
The council maintains a network of regional problem gambling resource centres, including the Western PGRC ([email protected]), to provide services that raise awareness of the risks of problem gambling and advocate for those in need.
Angela DiRosa, Western PGRC Program Manager, said, “It is more important than ever to ensure that all New Yorkers are aware of the potential risks of gambling, as well as how and where to obtain help if gambling becomes a problem. Leveraging technology like the QR code is another way to remove barriers to problem gambling screening, intervention and treatment, and reduces the stigma associated with seeking these services.
“We appreciate the guidance of the Gaming Commission and our colleagues at OASAS and the New York Council on Problem Gambling,” said Batavia Downs Gaming President and CEO Henry Wojtaszek. “Posters and decals advertising resources available to New Yorkers can be found throughout our facility. The new QR code will be prominently displayed throughout the property and on our in-house television system to ensure our guests are aware of the growing number of problem gambling related programs and services available to them, and how best to access this help, if needed. .”
