Agency joins national effort to promote responsible play
Maryland Lottery and Gaming is committed to encouraging responsible play and has once again joined lottery and gaming organizations across the country and the National Council on Problem Gambling to promote March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month.
“We’re in the fun and games business, but we take our responsibilities to our players very seriously,” said Maryland Lottery and Gaming Director Gordon Medenica. “It’s important to us that everyone enjoys the Lottery and casinos in moderation, and we’re committed to delivering a message of positive play.”
In 2018, the Maryland Lottery received Level 3 certification from the World Lottery Association (WLA), the lottery industry’s international leader in responsible gambling standards. The Lottery is pursuing Level 4, the WLA’s highest certification, which will involve new employee and retailer education programs. The Lottery will also review all marketing, advertising and research efforts in an organization-wide focus on meeting the WLA’s corporate and social responsibility criteria.
Throughout March, more than 50 of the Lottery’s television and radio partners will be providing airtime for public service announcements regarding Problem Gambling Awareness Month, including information on how find help for a gambling problem. Announcements will also be featured on more than 20 digital billboards in the state.
Maryland residents are eligible for problem gambling assessment and counseling services free of charge by contacting the Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling. Information is available at helpmygamblingproblem.org, or by calling 1-800-GAMBLER. Maryland’s casino operators pay annual assessments of $425 per slot machine and $500 per table game that provide funding for responsible gambling programs. These funds, which totaled more than $5.2 million during Fiscal Year 2018, support the Center of Excellence.
In 2010, Maryland Lottery and Gaming formed the Maryland Alliance for Responsible Gambling (MARG) in partnership with the Center of Excellence and other stakeholders. MARG provides a forum for ongoing collaboration and communication between the gaming and problem gambling treatment communities. More information and resources can be found on MARG’s website, mdgamblinghelp.org.
Maryland Lottery and Gaming has operated Maryland’s lottery since 1973 and serves as regulator of the state’s casinos. For Lottery information, visit mdlottery.com. Casino information is available at mdgaming.com. Please play responsibly and within your budget.