The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) has today launched Operation Responsible Gambling with the support of Entain Foundation US and RG24seven.
The initiative is designed to assist members of the military community in gambling responsibly, while offering them options to seek help if they present with symptoms of gambling problems.
Keith Whyte, NCPG Executive Director, explained: “We know that active-duty personnel and veterans face higher risks for gambling problems so Operation Responsible Gambling provides access to help, information and veterans’ video testimonials aimed especially at the military community. The information will be available on social media and a micro-website.”
The first two videos feature stories from veterans in their own words, talking about their gambling issues during their service and the road to recovery through the Veterans Administration gambling services.
Whyte continued: “The research is clear that members of the military community are at higher risk for gambling problems, yet military community members may not know what to do or where to go. We want to make sure they know there is hope and help available.”
Operation Responsible Gambling is being funded by a donation from Entain Foundation US.
Martin Lycka, the firm’s Senior Vice President for American Regulatory Affairs and Responsible Gambling and Trustee of the Entain Foundation US, said: “Entain offers the most comprehensive services for at-risk gamblers around the world. We see a special obligation to active-duty members and military veterans who volunteer to serve their country, often in far-away places and in dangerous circumstances.
“We want to help ensure that their gambling entertainment is fun and safe with the knowledge that there are experts and services available to help if they have a problem.”
RG24seven provided in-kind production and technical support for the videos and overall project. CEO Wendy Anderson stated: “We are honored to be helping to provide responsible gambling education to those who put their lives on the line to protect us.”
