Published: December 27, 2018

New York State Gaming Commission earns World Lottery Association Level 4 Certification for Responsible Gaming

NEW YORK STATE GAMING COMMISSION EARNS INDUSTRY’S HIGHEST RESPONSIBLE GAMING CERTIFICATION

World Lottery Association Level 4 Certification recognizes the Commission’s work to incorporate responsible gaming programming into its daily operations, and its commitment to continuous improvement

Decision marks the first time a North American Gaming Commission has been granted Level 4 status across multiple gamging divisions

The World Lottery Association (WLA), a global professional association of state lottery and gaming organizations, has granted the New York State Gaming Commission (the Commission) its most prestigious Level 4 Responsible Gaming Certification. The premier accreditation recognizes the Commission’s ongoing efforts to incorporate Responsible Gaming programming across all four of its Gaming Divisions - Lottery, Gaming (i.e. Video Lottery Gaming and Commercial Casino Gaming), Horse Racing and Pari-Mutuel Wagering, and Charitable Gaming - and its commitment to continuous improvement.

The Certification marks the first time a North American Gaming Commission has achieved Level 4 status for implementing Responsible Gaming programming across a variety of gaming operations under its regulatory control.

"The Commission is pleased to be recognized for the consistent work we do to promote transparency and informed decision making among players and patrons alike. It is satisfying to know the WLA recognizes the Commission's commitment to continuous improvement in this area as well," said Commission Acting Executive Director Ron Ochrym. 

The Certification recognizes the Commission’s ongoing efforts to apply a strict responsible gaming framework to its game designs, advertising, player education, and treatment referral activities. Other factors such as research, reporting and measurement, and retailer programming were among other program elements reviewed by an independent assessment panel of international corporate social responsibility experts working in conjunction with the WLA to review the Commission’s Level 4 submission.

National Council on Problem Gambling Executive Director Keith Whyte said, “The Commission’s unified approach to gambling regulation continues to lead to improved responsible gambling outcomes. We applaud the Commission’s leadership and the hard work of all staff and licensees that is required to achieve this responsible gambling verification.”   

Members of New York’s Responsible Play Partnership also voiced their support of the Lottery Division’s ongoing Responsible Gaming initiatives. 

“We commend the Gaming Commission on this recognition,” said New York State Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services Commissioner Arlene González-Sánchez. “Implementing strategies that can help reduce the risk of developing gambling disorders is not only responsible, but also demonstrates excellent leadership set forth by the Commission.”

New York Council on Problem Gambling Executive Director James Maney said, “The Council is pleased that the Commission is being recognized for their dedication to addressing the issue of responsible gambling and working towards efforts to reduce problem gambling.  The WLA Level 4 Certification is a testament to the work that has been done by the Commission in recent years and we congratulate them on this designation.”

 About the World Lottery Association

The World Lottery Association is a global professional association of state lottery and gaming organizations from more than 80 countries on six continents. All members adhere to the strictest standards of social responsibility, responsible gaming, security and risk management.

About the New York State Gaming Commission

The New York State Gaming Commission regulates all aspects of gaming activity in the State, including horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering, class III Indian Gaming, the State lottery (including video lottery gaming), and charitable gaming. The Commission was created by Chapter 60 of the Laws of 2012, which merged the New York State Racing and Wagering Board and the New York State Division of Lottery into a single agency. The Commission became effective February 1, 2013.

About the New York State Responsible Play Partnership

In 2013 the Commission, State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services and New York Council on Problem Gambling formed the Responsible Play Partnership (RPP) to address problem gambling in New York State. The RPP has undertaken several initiatives related to problem gambling, including reviewing problem gambling plans submitted by commercial casinos, coordinating the State’s first public forum featuring experts and stakeholders discussing best practices and policies in the era of expanded gaming and working together to heighten public awareness during Problem Gambling Awareness Month.  

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