Pennsylvania is taking an innovative approach to providing residents with responsible gaming resources.
The state’s General Assembly recently approved a distribution of funds to support a new digital-focused RG platform. The platform, Almond Digital Health, is receiving state funding after lawmakers approved a grant to back the first-of-its-kind initiative.
“This grant will help us meet people where they are and ensure that anyone struggling with problem gambling has access to the tools and support they need,” said Rep. Joe McAndrew.
Pennsylvania lawmakers did not disclose the total value of the grant that was approved.
“This funding reflects a practical approach and will provide instant impact for folks struggling with addiction or at risk of developing one,” added Rep. Jim Prokopiak.
What does Almond Digital Health offer?
Almond Digital Health provides Pennsylvania residents with a bevy of RG resources integrated into its app, including self-guided trackers and activities. The free online service takes a different approach to preventing gambling-related harm compared to RG hotlines.
Almond Digital Health is designed to work in unison with hotlines to provide RG resources.
The platform aims to alleviate friction between bettors and the RG tools provided by key stakeholders in gaming, with the platform covering various types of gambling activity.
Almond Digital Health offers several languages for users, with access being anonymous. The platform also facilitates engagement between its users and treatment services.
Almond Digital Health will be fully operational in Pennsylvania in the coming weeks with the help of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. Several brick-and-mortar casinos are helping drive awareness of the app by providing access codes inside their facilities.
Almond Digital Health is also partnering with operators and public universities.
“This is about scale and access. Pennsylvania is creating an approach that works both inside and outside traditional care settings,” said Almond Digital Health Chief Product Officer Kath Middleton.
Additional RG efforts in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvanians are preparing for the launch of Almond Digital Health after the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) debuted a new awareness campaign.
The campaign, “What’s Really at Stake,” debuted in March for Problem Gambling Awareness Month, and leverages social media and online advertising to combat underage problem gambling in the Keystone State. The PGCB introduced the campaign amid the proliferation of sports event contracts and regulated and offshore wagering platforms.
According to data provided by Mass.gov, approximately 33.7% of youth under the age of 18 gambled in some capacity over a one-year period.
“The legalized gambling the PGCB regulates, and in particular online gambling, is intended for those 21 years and older,” said PGCB Executive Director Kevin O’Toole.
“The licensed operators in Pennsylvania have various tools within their systems to deny gambling privileges to those underage, but the proliferation of easily accessible illegal and unregulated sites that do not carry those protections to block underagers is a substantial reason in creating this negative situation.”
Pennsylvania’s Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs is also fostering RG.
Last month, the department announced the availability of a free problem gambling toolkit. The toolkit is designed for parents and educators and provides them with resources and education to identify problem gambling and take necessary steps for treatment.
