Council members sought information about MGC’s responsible gaming policies and practices

On Monday, July 18, 2016, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) was pleased to host representatives from Singapore’s National Council of Problem Gambling (NCPG) and share information about most promising practices related to responsible gaming policies and initiatives. The National Council on Problem Gambling provides problem gambling support services and also has as a regulatory function within the casinos in Singapore.

The delegation from Singapore came to visit the MGC following their attendance at the 30^th National Conference on Problem Gambling that took place last week in Tarrytown, New York.  Singapore council members expressed to MGC that Massachusetts is regarded as the “gold standard” in the United States as it relates to responsible gaming. As a result, the council members sought to learn more from the MGC about the development and execution of several responsible gaming initiatives including the GameSense Info Center and MGC’s newly launched budgeting tool PlayMyWay (PMW).

Singapore council members met with MGC’s Commissioner Enrique Zuniga, Executive Director Ed Bedrosian and Director of Research and Responsible Gaming Mark Vander Linden.  The group discussed the importance and emphasis on research and protections embedded in the Massachusetts Expanded Gaming Act, the approach of the Commission in taking best practices and experience from abroad, and the collaboration required to execute those goals.  MGC stressed that the involvement and engagement of all stakeholders (licensees, MA Council, research team, and Penn and MGC staff) has been a critical factor in the success of Responsible Gaming initiatives in the Commonwealth.

MGC also provided council members with a tour of Plainridge Park Casino including a meeting with a GameSense Advisor (Terrence Murphy) and a demonstration of PlayMyWay.   After the meeting council members commented on the potential impact these kinds of initiatives may have on responsible gaming efforts around the world.

“The MGC is grateful for the opportunity to share promising practices on the important issue of responsible gaming. Our mandate from the Legislature was clear and we are pleased that we have been able to develop and implement a series of unique initiatives that are being recognized as progressive. We will aggressively continue our efforts and look forward to continued collaboration with our colleagues,” said Commissioner Enrique Zuniga.

The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) in Singapore is a 15-member council that was appointed in August 2005 as part of Singapore’s national framework to address problem gambling. The Council is committed to addressing problem gambling in Singapore, across all forms of gambling, through public education and outreach programs and the provision of help services. NCPG offers a 24/7 Problem Gambling Helpline service, administered by the National Addictions Management Service (NAMS). NCPG also administers Casino Exclusions and Casino Visit Limits for those affected by or vulnerable to problem gambling.