PRESS RELEASE: Missouri casinos promote Responsible Gaming Education Week

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Missouri casinos and their employees are partnering with the American Gaming Association to celebrate the casino industry’s 20th annual Responsible Gaming Education Week, July 31 through August 4, 2017.

Responsible Gaming Education Week was created by the American Gaming Association in 1998 to increase awareness of problem gambling issues and promote responsible gaming practices nationwide. The event is part of a year-round focus on responsible gaming education for patrons and employees.

Casinos across Missouri will sponsor activities, provide free educational materials and promote responsible gaming during Responsible Gaming Education Week. Free brochures including “Play Responsibly,” “Get to Know Slot Machines,” “Understand the Odds,” and “Responsible Player Guidelines and Characteristics” are available at many casinos.

“Responsible gaming is an ongoing priority of our Missouri casino employees, from top executives to front-line team members,” said Mike Winter, executive director of the Missouri Gaming Association. “During Responsible Gaming Education Week, our casinos expand on the work they do every day to inform employees and patrons about the issue.”

The Missouri Gaming Association and its casino company members sponsor and fund year-round programs to address responsible gaming issues. Every Missouri casino property has a designated employee who serves as the director of responsible gaming programs for that location. Missouri’s ongoing responsible gaming programs include:
• 1-888-BETSOFF – a statewide telephone crisis line and referral service for problem gambling.
• Project 21 – a scholarship competition that addresses underage gambling;
• Operation Bet Smart – an awareness program that focuses on compulsive gambling;
• Alcohol Awareness Programs – promote responsible consumption of alcohol.

The Missouri Gaming Association (MGA) is the statewide trade association of the Missouri casino entertainment industry. Founded in 1993, the Missouri Gaming Association works to promote responsible gaming and increase awareness of the economic benefits of casinos in Missouri. For more information, visit www.missouricasinos.org.