Responsible Gaming Awareness Week is 9/19-9/25
Published: September 6, 2021
This year, the week of September 19th is Responsible Gaming Awareness Week(RGEW) — seven days dedicated to increasing problem gambling awareness among gaming industry employees and customers.
Founded by the American Gaming Association, Responsible Gaming Education Week provides gaming companies and casinos with opportunities to expand their responsible gaming efforts by focusing on employee education and increasing awareness on responsible gaming resources.
In recognition of this important week, Before You Bet has compiled five tips on how to play responsibly should you or someone you know choose to do so.
Set boundaries: By setting boundaries on time and money spent, you can lower your risk of getting carried away when gambling. This can be especially helpful for those who lose track of time or the amount of money they spend when playing a game. Taking regular breaks and knowing when not to chase your losses are other great ways to set limits.
Balance gambling with other hobbies: Gambling should be a fun form of entertainment. To keep it that way, it is important not to let it monopolize your time and energy. Balancing gambling with other activities like reading, exercising, or spending time with friends and family can help keep the activities responsible.
Create deposit limits: When gambling online, deposit limits can ensure you play within your set boundaries. A deposit limiting tool works by notifying the operator of the maximum you are willing to wager, and if you try to play beyond the chosen limit, you will be notified and stopped by the operator.
Implement game banning technology: If you find it hard to avoid using apps or going online to gamble, consider implementing game banning technology onto your various devices. Technology products like GamBan, GamBlock, or GAMSTOP can block access to online gambling providers.
Consider self-exclusion: Similarly, if you struggle with avoiding going to your local gaming operator despite a desire to stop gambling, you might want to consider enrolling in a self-exclusion program. This excludes you from the gambling location of your choice for anywhere from one year, five years, or life in Ohio. This would also include being excluded from their mail and email advertising. This could free up time and space to focus on other activities and relationships or even get help if you think you might need it.
Make sure you follow Before You Bet on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram to receive more responsible gaming resources, and use the hashtag #RGEW.
If you’re a community partner who’s interested in free and customizable resources on responsible gambling, please visit: BeforeYouBet.org/communitytoolkit/