One of the leading casino lobbying groups in the USA has called on the gambling industry to promote responsible gambling in a better way going forward. The recommendations came from the American Gaming Association, also referred to as the AGA. The hope is that these reforms and recommendations will help to protect vulnerable players.
National Responsible Gambling Hotline Requested
The recommendations revolve around the fine print listed on gambling advertisements. The AGA states that the fine print has become muddled as each state puts its own various responsible gambling resources on the adverts. This makes the print difficult to read, as the font is rather small to accommodate all the information.
The AGA is suggesting that, instead of putting numerous different recourses on the adverts, it would be better served by simply putting one single helpline. As we all know, gambling helplines are a vital way to assist those suffering from problem gambling. However, due to the long lists of phone numbers listed on the adverts, it makes it difficult for players to find the help they need.
Confusing Fine Print
The AGA has suggested that if there was one single national hotline, it would make it far easier for players to get help. As it stands right now, the United States does not have a national gambling help hotline. There is one number that seems like it may be a national hotline, 1-800-GAMBLER. However, while this looks like a national helpline, it is only set up for residents of Illinois, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Several other states have their own hotlines. These include Tennessee, Iowa, Michigan, Colorado, Nevada, and Indiana. Depending on how a casino or gambling advert is distributed, it is required to include gambling helplines. But, as we’ve demonstrated, there is quite a large number of different phone numbers, which makes things difficult.
I think we can all agree that a single, national helpline would be a great help to those struggling with a potential gambling problem.
