Empire City Casino Raise Awareness About Problem Gambling – Casino Reports

Yonkers’ Empire City Casino is stepping up its efforts to raise awareness of problem gambling to support Problem Gambling Awareness Month this March. The casino has partnered with the Mid-Hudson Problem Gambling Resource Center for the initiative, and throughout the month of March its Porte Cochère will be lit blue and yellow.

This year’s edition of Problem Gambling Awareness Month marks the 20th anniversary since its inception and takes place during the March Madness, which is generating tons of betting activity in New York. The initiative brings together industry and public health organizations, treatment providers and more to work to ensure help is available to those who need it.

Illuminated in blue and yellow

In March, Empire City Casino will seek to raise awareness of the need for responsible gambling across the industry. This is done by Illumination of its landmark Porte Cochère in blue and yellow. The color blue is the official color of Problem Gambling Awareness Month, while yellow supports the New York Council on Problem Gambling’s “Shine a Light.”

Last month, the New York Council on Problem Gambling issued a worrying statement. The organization reported that more and more young adults in the state have sought help to questions about sports betting. It declared 18-24 year olds pathological gamblers and criticized the state for promoting gambling rather than fighting it.

Its efforts to promote mindfulness don’t end there, however, as the casino will host a free problem gambling screening event on March 14 to help players ensure they gamble responsibly. The event includes a short questionnaire and educational resources to raise awareness and promote the prevention of gambling problems among bettors in the state.

In a press release, casino officials said the initiative aims to support responsible gaming and their efforts are not limited to the month of March. Owned by MGM Resorts, the facility also offers the BCLC’s award-winning Responsible Gaming program, GameSense. The program promotes positive, transparent and safe play for visitors.

The casino’s General Manager, Ed Domingo, explained that the property is committed to promoting responsible gaming through its initiatives, GameSense and partnerships. He said it ensures staff and guests have all the necessary tools to facilitate and encourage them a fun, safe gaming environment so that all customers can enjoy it and reduce the likelihood of developing problem gambling habits.

Lawmakers are concerned

The opening up of the Empire State’s mobile sports betting market and its immense growth in popularity has raised some concerns from lawmakers. In January, Democrats Luis R. Sepúlveda and Leroy Comrie introduced legislation that would require all gambling advertisements in the state to do so Feature Warnings about the possible undesirable effects of gambling. The bill would also include the New York gambling hotline number in the ads.

Source: Edwards, Jeff “Hudson Valley Casino lights up for Problem Gambling Awareness Month” Patch.comMarch 5, 2023