New York’s Responsible Play Partnership (RPP) will continue offering voluntary self-exclusion (VSE) programs to individuals in the state with improvements set to be brought in by a free new VSE Support Program.
The program, launched by the New York Council on Problem Gambling (NYCPG) as part of the RPP, has been designed to give individuals struggling with problem gambling quick access to helpful tools and resources.
These resources will assist an individual's VSE in the Empire State.
Gambling has shown to be widely popular in New York, having reported a sports betting handle of $2bn in October 2023.
High numbers of gamblers correlate with more individuals becoming at risk of problem gambling, which according to the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) 2020 survey on problem gambling prevalence puts 4.4.% of adults in the state at risk.
Furthermore, the report also concluded that an additional 0.7% of adults in New York ‘meet the criteria for problem gambling or a gambling disorder.’
VSEs stop individuals from entering gambling venues, participating in sports wagering and engaging in other gambling activities.
When someone wishes to self-exclude at a licensed gambling facility, NYCPG staff can now explain the process, connect the individual to the correct services and even assist with the VSE process.
The NYCPG is a not-for-profit organization funded by OASAS. It is governed by a Board of Directors and takes a neutral stance on gambling while offering services to help those affected by problem gambling.
On the new program, NYCPG Executive Director James Maney said: “Assisting those in need of help through providing care and concern is at the core of what NYCPG does, and the launch of this new program exemplifies that care and concern by breaking down barriers.”
