The State of New York has officially recognized September 2025 as Responsible Gaming Education Month (RGEM), joining the American Gaming Association’s nationwide initiative to highlight the industry’s efforts to promote gaming literacy, enhance employee training, and raise public awareness around responsible gambling.
The Responsible Play Partnership (RPP) — made up of the New York State Gaming Commission (Commission), the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), and the New York Council on Problem Gambling (NYCPG) — continues to work closely with licensed gaming operators to ensure a safe and responsible gambling environment across the state.
Commission Chair Brian O’Dwyer emphasized the importance of collaboration:
“By working with our partners at OASAS and the New York Council on Problem Gambling, we are ensuring that responsible gambling practices are a priority for all platforms operating in New York State. We applaud our colleagues for educating New Yorkers about problem gambling as we continue to create a safe and responsible gaming environment.”
OASAS Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham noted the progress made in supporting individuals impacted by problem gambling, pointing to initiatives like the ongoing Take a Pause campaign:
“We are ensuring that more people can learn about the importance of gambling responsibly, and know where and how to access help if they or a loved one are affected by problem gambling.”
NYCPG Executive Director Michelle Hadden added:
“Increasing awareness and providing educational opportunities is essential to ensuring that our casino operators and their staff are prepared to support patrons who are struggling. Our ongoing collaboration with the RPP and operators helps bridge the gap between existing resources and the people who need them.”
Recent measures and initiatives
The Commission has implemented several key actions to strengthen responsible gambling efforts, including:
New sports wagering regulations requiring operators to collect demographic data to better target education and treatment resources.
Educational listening sessions on advertising compliance, ensuring that all ads “clearly and conspicuously” display a problem gambling hotline number.
Enhanced employee training for video lottery and commercial casino staff, including new Responsible Gambling Ambassador Training to equip management and frontline employees with real-world skills to recognize and respond to problem gambling behaviors.
A new responsible gambling webpage template that New York operators can adopt under their own branding, offering unified messaging on gambling-related harms, mitigation strategies, and access to local support services.
Voluntary self-exclusion program
New York remains the only state with a blanket voluntary self-exclusion (VSE) program, allowing individuals to bar themselves from all legal gambling opportunities statewide. Enhancements to the program ensure that those who self-exclude have access to free and confidential help, including an opt-in option for follow-up support from HOPEline staff.
The NYCPG Voluntary Self-Exclusion Support Program also provides:
Plain-language explanations of the VSE process
Assistance with completing and notarizing VSE forms
Connections to community programs focused on prevention and harm reduction
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