1. RESPONSIBLE GAMING NAGRA 25TH Annual Conference June 4, 2009
Keith Whyte, Executive Director
National Council on Problem Gambling

2. About NCPG
The national advocate for programs and services to assist problem gamblers and their families.
NEUTRAL on legalized gambling.
Founded in 1972.
National grassroots non-profit with chapters in 36 of 50 states (incl. WA)
Work with government, gaming industry & community.

3. Core Programs Helpline Number (800.522.4700) & Network
Nat’l Problem Gambling Awareness Week
Annual Conference on Problem Gambling Prevention, Treatment, Research & Recovery (June 26-28, Long Beach, CA)
Public Awareness & Media
Certification Administration
ADVOCACY!

4. Roles of Councils
ONLY advocates for problem gamblers & their families.
Independent perspective, unaffected by money or morality.
Innovative service delivery better, faster & cheaper.
Hub of information-work toward best practices.
Work across the many boundaries, including:
State (MSA’s, gambling on borders)
Tribal
Types of gambling (different regulatory agencies)

5. What Can Regulators Do? What is the appropriate role in RG & PG?
Set standards.
Enforce regulations.
Provider of last resort?
Three approaches to develop best practices: legislation, regulation or litigation.

6. PG Issues for Regulators
PG is difficult & complex health issue.
Only ½ states provide public funding for PG services.
Regulators as providers of last resort?
Most jurisdictions without strategy on problem gambling (or gambling).
But basic consensus on prevalence, risk factors, consequences and treatment—no excuse for inaction.

7. RG Issues for Regulators
Public access to data.
Helplines (9-1-1 system).
Duty of Care undefined in most statutes.
Technology radically changes gaming (bingo).
Maximize benefit while minimizing harm.

8. Instant Ticket Vending Machines
Most in non-age restricted locations
Continues to spread in at least 20 states
Lessons from tobacco vending machines?

9. RG Machine Modifications
Based on Research & Player Data
What operational modification most likely to be effective—for PGs?—for RGs?
Limiting bill acceptors?
No impact for either
Capping max bet size?
Likely helpful for PG
Slowing speed of play?
Likely harmful for PG!!!!

10. National Council on Problem Gambling th Street, NW, Suite 601 Washington, DC Tel: Fax: Web: