TOWN OF THOMPSON – The New York State Gaming Commission, New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports, and New York Council on Problem Gambling, which together comprises New York’s Responsible Play Partnership, announced steps being taken to address problem gambling.
They announced the program at Resorts World Catskills in the Town of Thompson.
Gaming Commission Executive Director Robert Williams debuted signage featuring the industry’s Quick Response (QR) Code to connect problem gamblers with trained problem gambling clinicians where they live, in real-time.
“As the gaming arena continues to expand across New York State, the commission and our partners are committed to making gaming safe and responsible for all,” said Williams. “We are united in working together to make sure that individuals who need help have access to the necessary tools and resources in a timely manner.”
OASAS Commissioner Chinazo Cunningham said when someone decided that they need help for a gambling problem, “it is essential that a treatment connection is made quickly. The QR code is an innovative approach to connecting individuals to specially trained outpatient and inpatient treatment programs and private practitioners, throughout the state.“
The Council maintains a network of regional Problem Gambling Resource Centers, including the Mid-Hudson PGRC (Mid-HudsonPGRC@NYProblemGambling.org), to provide services that raise awareness of the risks of problem gambling and advocate for those in need.
“Safety and responsibility are top priorities for Resorts World leadership,” said Meghan Taylor, Genting New York vice president of Government Affairs and Public Relations. “We have a longstanding commitment to responsible gaming that includes working to deliver the most current and comprehensive training in the industry and we applaud the Gaming Commission for taking advantage of QR technology that we can incorporate into that instruction. Ensuring our staff is prepared to fight this issue contributes to the overall well-being of our guests and neighboring community.”
