NASPL-NCPG Verification Program recognizes ongoing responsible play efforts
The Maryland Lottery received notification on April 25 that it has earned the highest level of certification in a responsible gambling program that is jointly sponsored by the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL) and the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG).
The NASPL-NCPG Responsible Gambling Verification Program requires lotteries to plan and implement effective responsible gaming procedures in all aspects of operations. The program has three levels of certification (Planning, Implementation and Sustaining), with each level requiring lotteries to progressively strengthen their commitment to responsible gambling.
A group of Maryland Lottery employees from multiple departments spent most of 2024 compiling the submission for the Responsible Gambling Verification Program, which documents efforts in employee training; retailer training; public education and awareness; product oversight; research; and advertising. The submission was reviewed by four assessors; one from NASPL and three from NCPG, the nation’s leading advocacy organization on responsible gambling matters.
The NASPL-NCPG certification is valid through April 2028, at which time the Lottery must submit a new application to remain at the Sustaining level by showing its ongoing work to enhance its responsible gambling initiatives.
Prior to pursuing the NASPL-NCPG certification, the Maryland Lottery spent 2015-2022 progressing through all four levels of certification offered by the World Lottery Association (WLA), a separate, international responsible gambling program. Lotteries that achieve the WLA’s top certification are given parallel recognition by NASPL-NCPG, but this year marked the first time that the Maryland Lottery applied directly to the Responsible Gambling Verification Program.
“Prioritizing these certifications is now a decade-long endeavor, and responsible gambling considerations are built in to everything we do,” said Maryland Lottery and Gaming Director John Martin. “We’re proud to be recognized, but we also know that the recognition comes with an obligation to continue building on our work to emphasize responsible play.”
About the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL)
The North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries advocates for state and provincial lottery organizations on matters of general lottery policy and leverages collaboration, communication, education and information for the betterment of the industry.
About the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG)
The National Council on Problem Gambling is the only national nonprofit organization that seeks to mitigate gambling-related harm. The organization works to improve health and wellness by reducing the personal, social and economic costs of problem gambling. NCPG is neutral on legalized gambling.
