Yonkers’ Empire City Casino is upping its efforts of raising problem gambling awareness in support of Problem Gambling Awareness Month this March. For the initiative, the gaming property has teamed up with the Mid-Hudson Problem Gambling Resource Center, and throughout the month of March, its porte cochère will be illuminated in blue and yellow.
This year’s edition of Problem Gambling Awareness Month is the 20th anniversary since its first running and comes during March Madness which generates tons of wagering activity in New York. The initiative brings together the industry and public health organizations, treatment providers, and more to advocate that there is help available for those who need it.
Illuminated in Blue and Yellow
During the month of March, Empire City Casino will try to raise awareness of the need for responsible gambling throughout the industry. This will be done by lighting its landmark porte cochère in blue and yellow. The colour blue is the official colour of Problem Gambling Awareness Month, while yellow is in support of “Shine a Light” by the New York Council on Problem Gambling.
Last month, New York Council on Problem Gambling issued a concerning statement. The organization reported that more and more young adults in the state have sought help regarding issues related to sports betting. It declared the 18- to 24-year-old demographic as pathological gamblers, and criticized the state for promoting gambling, instead of battling it.
However, its efforts to raise mindfulness do not conclude here, as the casino will host a free problem gambling screening event on March 14, to help players ensure that they are gaming responsibly. The event will include a short questionnaire and educational resources to raise awareness and promote the prevention of problem gaming among bettors in the state.
In a press release, officials from the casino said the initiative aims to support responsible play and its effort were not limited to the month of March. Also, as an MGM Resorts property, the establishment features the award-winning responsible gambling program from the BCLC, GameSense. The program promotes positive, transparent, and safe play for visitors.
General Manager of the casino, Ed Domingo, stated the property is devoted to promoting responsible play via its initiatives, GameSense, and partnerships. He said that it ensures staff and guests have all the necessary tools to facilitate and encourage a fun, safe gambling environment for all patrons to enjoy and decrease the chances of developing problem gambling habits.
Lawmakers are Concerned
The opening of the Empire State’s mobile sports betting market and its immense popularity growth has led to some concerns among legislators. In January, democrats Luis R. Sepúlveda and Leroy Comrie introduced legislation that would require all gambling ads in the state to feature cautions about the possible undesirable effects of gambling. The bill would also incorporate New York problem gambling hotline number into the ads.
Source: Edwards, Jeff “Hudson Valley Casino Lights Up for Problem Gambling Awareness Month” Patch.com, March 5, 2023
