Gambling in the USA
March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month — Help Raise Awareness of Resources to Combat Problem Gambling
The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG), Division of Problem Gambling (DPG), in collaboration with the National Council of Problem Gambling (NCPG), recognizes March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month. 2024 marks the 21st anniversary of Problem Gambling Awareness Month. “Problem gambling is a serious addiction that affects an estimated two percent of adults and five percent of youth in Arizona,” said Katie Hobbs, Arizona Governor. “That is why I have issued a proclamation announcing March 2024 as Arizona Problem Gambling Awareness Month — through education and outreach, we can spread the word and support those in Arizona who may suffer from problem gambling by getting them the help they need.”
Problem gambling is defined as all gambling behavior patterns that compromise, disrupt or damage personal, family, or vocational pursuits. Approximately 2 million U.S. adults (1% of the population) are estimated to meet criteria for severe problem gambling. Another 4 to 6 million (2-3%) meet the criteria for mild or moderate problem gambling.
This year, DPG will be hosting the 16th Annual Symposium on Problem Gambling. With the theme, “A Closer Look at Problem Gambling in Arizona Through Diverse Populations,” this year’s symposium will be taking a closer look at problem gambling and how it relates to other behavioral health topics and the research and experience of diverse populations.
“There is great importance in bringing together innovators, leaders, and decision makers in person, going beyond virtual interactions,” said Jackie Johnson, ADG CEO. “Our goal is that our conference provides an opportunity for meaningful discussions, sharing of leading best practices, and strategic collaborations essential to our organization’s mission and objectives.”
Problem Gambling Awareness Month is designed to coincide each year with March Madness, during which Americans are expected to wager over $3 billion. For the majority of adults, gambling can be a fun and entertaining experience, but there are risks involved. Sports bettors are at a particularly high-risk for developing a gambling problem. According to the National Survey on Gambling Attitudes and Gambling Experiences 2.0, 4 out of 5 sports bettors reported often needing to gamble more to get the same feeling of excitement.
“We are more than grateful that Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has once again proclaimed March as Arizona Problem Gambling Awareness Month,” said Elise Mikkelsen, Director of DPG. “We know the disparities in both access to services as well as treatment outcomes have become increasingly evident for individuals from historically underrepresented communities and we want you to know that you are not alone. By utilizing DPG’s free, 24/7 confidential helpline or visiting our website, those in the state can take the next step and access information and resources critical in addressing a problem with gambling.” The Arizona Department of Gaming is not the only State agency that works to alleviate problem gambling.
“The Arizona Lottery recognizes that gambling addiction can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or socioeconomic status,” said Arizona Lottery CEO Alec Thomson. “We are committed to doing our part to promote responsible gaming by raising awareness on the signs of problem gambling and providing resources to help those who may struggle with a gambling problem.” To date, the Lottery has provided $5.7 million to ADG to contribute to effective statewide problem gambling prevention, treatment, and education programs.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, DPG urges you to get help now by calling 1-800-NEXT-STEP (1.800.639.8783), DPG’s confidential helpline, texting “NEXTSTEP” to 53342, or utilizing a chat feature on the DPG website. DPG’s helpline provides confidentiality and connects callers with a master’s level counselor who can connect them with available resources, including statewide treatment providers who specialize in problem gambling. The helpline is available 24/7 to everyone facing a problem with gambling – individuals and affected family members, friends or co-workers.
Brad Rhines
Smoking Room & Bar to Open This Summer at Miccosukee
This summer, Miccosukee Casino & Resort is preparing to unveil a new and exclusive smoking casino section. The venue, located in the northwest corner of the property, is tailored for casino-goers who prefer to smoke while playing their favorite slots in a comfortable and refined indoor ambiance featuring 20-foot-tall ceilings.
“At Miccosukee Casino & Resort, we value our customers’ feedback, and we strive to meet their needs. Many of our guests have requested a new, indoor, dedicated smoking section, and I am proud that we will be unveiling this unique attraction to them very soon. It’s a fusion of gaming, sophisticated design, and an upscale bar, all created to cater to our distinguished guests,” said General Manager Brad Rhines.
The new smoking venue is equipped with a state-of-the-art air filtration system to ensure the comfort of smoking guests while preserving the air quality in the casino’s non-smoking areas. Additionally, it offers new restrooms in the smoking section, as well as in the non-smoking corridor.
Featuring 117 slot machines, a contemporary full bar with four 75-inch high-definition TVs, and eight bar-top slot machines, this exclusive smoking area perfectly accommodates Miccosukee’s esteemed patrons.
Erik Nyman President EveryMatrix Americas
Golden Nugget live with EveryMatrix content in Michigan and New Jersey
Golden Nugget Online Gaming is live with EveryMatrix casino content in Michigan and New Jersey.
EveryMatrix will provide Golden Nugget Online Gaming with content from its in-house game development studio Armadillo Studios, via direct integration with its SlotMatrix iGaming aggregation solution, the industry’s largest aggregation offering with more games and third-party vendors than any other.
EveryMatrix has licences in six North American states and provinces including New Jersey, Michigan, West Virginia, Connecticut, Ontario in Canada and most recently Pennsylvania.
Earlier this month EveryMatrix went live with its first aggregation agreement with exclusive partner studio Supremeland via DraftKings in New Jersey.
Erik Nyman, President EveryMatrix Americas, said: “We’re delighted to work with such an established brand as Golden Nugget Online Gaming. We look forward to our continued work together in the future as we provide premier content alongside our leading aggregation services.”
Caesars Entertainment
Caesars Entertainment Celebrates Grand Opening of Company’s First Nebraska Property, Harrah’s Columbus Nebraska Racing and Casino
Harrah’s Columbus, NE Racing & Casino, Caesars Entertainment’s first venture into the Cornhusker State, opened its doors to guests for the first time. Caesars, Columbus Exposition and Racing and the Columbus community celebrated the momentous occasion with a ribbon cutting, giveaways and more.
Opening day guests received commemorative Harrah’s shirts before making the property’s historical first spins on the slots, table game wagers and first bets at the Caesars Race & Sportsbook. The first jackpot was hit at 10:14 a.m. with a lucky guest winning $1,876 on Power Push.
“We’re so proud to open the doors to Harrah’s Columbus, NE Racing & Casino for the first time today,” said Todd Connelly, Regional President of Caesars Entertainment. “Harrah’s is an iconic brand that our guests have come to know and love across the country. We’re so happy to be here with our partners and friends as we celebrate what is sure to be a bright future in Nebraska.”
The new destination features a 17,000-square-foot casino with 400 slot machines, 11 table games and a Caesars Race & Sportsbook featuring a 2,100-square-foot sports and simulcast betting area conveniently located on the casino floor. The area contains 17 viewing screens, including a massive 163-inch video wall for the ultimate sports viewing experience. The opening of Caesars Race & Sportsbook at Harrah’s Columbus, NE Racing & Casino marks the first time Caesars Sportsbook has accepted sports wagers in the Cornhusker State.
Harrah’s Columbus, NE Racing & Casino is also home to the award-winning restaurant Brew Brothers, founded by the Carano family in 1995, and a bar called Wishbones. A Marriott Fairfield Inn and Townplace Suites is under construction next door and will connect directly to the casino once complete later this year.
In partnership with Columbus Exposition and Racing, Harrah’s Columbus Nebraska will be home to a one-mile racetrack, the longest track in the state. The track will host 15 live races every Friday – Sunday from Aug. 16 to Sept. 15, as well as one on Labor Day. Each date will offer all-ages Grandstand seating, along with 21+ in-person and kiosk betting.
Harrah’s Columbus NE, Racing & Casino is also part of Caesars Entertainment’s expansive Caesars Rewards® network. Guests who play at the new destination can earn and redeem Reward Credits at any of Caesars Entertainment’s 50+ properties in North America.
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