New York’s Responsible Play Partnership (RPP), a coalition of two state agencies and one nonprofit, has announced new initiatives to address problem gambling in the state. These include changes to how sportsbooks report user data, enhanced gambling industry employee training, and self-exclusion program updates.
Formed in 2013, the RPP consists of the New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC), the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), and the New York Council on Problem Gambling (NYCPG). Its mission is to tackle problem gambling collaboratively across the state. RPP members announced the measures during a meeting at the del Lago Resort and Casino in Waterloo. Robert Williams, Executive Director of the Gaming Commission, said:
The RPP was formed to bridge the gaps between all stakeholders to address problem gambling. These latest spans bring timely help to those who need it, ensure that industry employees know how to address the issue, and ensure that we are obtaining meaningful data to properly scope mobile sports wagering’s reach.
Meanwhile, Dr. Chinazo Cunningham, OASAS Commissioner, affirmed the organization’s commitment to expanding resources, enhancing responsible gambling training, and ensuring access to support for all New Yorkers. Furthermore, Jim Maney, Executive Director of the NYCPG, stressed the importance of casino staff in identifying and assisting problem gamblers.
Proposal to Strengthen Sportsbook User Data Reporting Requirements
Currently, the NYSGC and OASAS must report annually “the impact of mobile sports wagering on problem gamblers in New York, including, to the extent practicable, an analysis of demographics which are disproportionately impacted by the problem gambling.”
However, the two organizations have discovered that in the past two years, some sports betting operators have not consistently maintained the required information, making it difficult to measure user data correctly. That’s why the RPP proposes that operators report the following information annually:
- Total amount wagered and number of bets placed
- Total amount and number of bets won
- Total amount wagered on each sport
- Total number of accounts, including new accounts created and average account balances
- Total number of accounts permanently closed and the number of self-exclusions
Each sports betting operator must also report the following information for each account:
- Zip code
- Total amount wagered
- Number of bets placed
- Money won or lost
- Time on the platform
- Number of times they access the responsible play webpage
- Number of times they reach the statutory deposit betting-pause threshold and what action the player took
- Day of the week and hour of the day that the most wagers are placed and the most money is wagered
- Gender, race, and ethnicity, if voluntarily provided
If implemented, New York would align with iGaming states like New Jersey and Pennsylvania, which use data to identify and support at-risk gamblers.
New Jersey’s Responsible Gaming Initiative requires operators to track and identify at-risk behavior. They must report it to the Division of Gaming Enforcement. The division analyzes the data, and if a player is determined to be at risk, a representative contacts them.
The proposal follows recent responsible gaming actions in New York, such as a new law signed by Governor Hochul that requires sportsbooks to warn users about problem gambling.
What Other Measures Is RPP Introducing?
The New York Voluntary Self-Exclusion program is also getting an update. Beginning on November 12, individuals who self exclude can opt in to being contacted by trained staff from the OASAS HOPEline.
Furthermore, the NYCPG has introduced a new training program for gambling industry workers to promote responsible gaming. The program identifies the symptoms, evidence, and warning signs of problem gambling behavior and how to interact with individuals who may be in crisis. The training also includes an overview of the applicable statutes and regulations and findings from OASAS research.
An Increase in Collective Responsible Gaming Efforts
Collaborative initiatives to promote responsible gambling, like the RPP, are becoming more prevalent nationwide. For example, three South Virginia organizations recently formed the Southern Virginia Problem Gambling Cooperative (SVPGC).
The cooperative, which includes the Danville-Pittsylvania Community Services Board, Southside Behavioral Health, and Piedmont Community Services, wants to educate the local community about the dangers of problem gambling.
While a new casino, Caesars Danville, is opening soon in the area, members of SVPGC say their goal is to help the community understand the large number of gambling options available beyond casinos and the potential dangers of problem gambling.
On a national level, the National Council on Problem Gambling formed the Tribal Advisory Council in July. Its goal is to promote responsible gaming and address problem gambling among Native American communities. Multiple studies point out that Native Americans face a higher risk of problem gambling than other groups.
The primary job of the eight-member Tribal Advisory Council is to increase awareness and respect for Native American Communities’ culture among both Native and non-native communities.
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