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Accredited for Committed Gambling Practices

Play Responsibly

Following a thorough independent examination of its gambling responsibility initiatives, the Lottery Division has been awarded a joint accreditation for responsible gaming by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL). This recognition comes after a four-member independent panel, selected by NCPG and NASPL, concluded that the New York Lottery's efforts in responsible gambling not only meet but also surpass the industry's best practices in key areas such as strategic planning, training for employees and retailers, public education for awareness, oversight of products, research, marketing strategies, and the availability of resources. This prestigious endorsement is valid until 2026.

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Essential Guidelines for Safe Gambling Practices

  • Establish boundaries for both the duration and the financial investment in gambling activities.

  • Avoid using gambling as a means to cope with feelings of anxiety, stress, or depression.

  • Be aware of how to access support for gambling issues (refer to the resources provided below).

  • Ensure that funds essential for bill payments are not used for gambling.

  • Understand and respect that gambling is not permitted for individuals under the legal age.

If gambling of any kind is a problem for you or someone you know, here are resources to inform and help you:

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*Standard text rates may apply.

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New York's Commitment to Safe Gambling Practices

The Responsible Gaming Program of the Lottery is a testament to the Gaming Commission's dedication to ensuring that everyone involved in the Lottery, from consumers to retailers, has the necessary information for making wise decisions regarding the products they purchase and vend.

Key Components of Our Recognized Responsible Gaming Program Include:

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Developing a yearly strategy aimed at reducing underage gambling and encouraging safe gambling practices, sales, and gifting. The strategy encompasses:

  1. Disseminating information on safe gambling practices and strategies to over 15,000 Lottery retailers through newsletters and educational materials.

  2. Providing retailers with tools to discreetly offer problem gambling information to customers who may be at risk.

  3. Merging safe gambling messages with game details and success stories through a network of promotional displays across retail sites.

  4. Creating and sharing Public Service Announcements that highlight the core principles of our leading Responsible Gaming Program: Informed Choices, Transparency, and Risk Reduction.

  5. Operating the most extensive Voluntary Self-Exclusion program in the nation, allowing individuals to self-ban from all legal gambling forms in New York State.

  6. Keeping an informative webpage at NY.Gov/NYResponsibleGaming to assist individuals in making educated decisions about their Lottery participation, featuring a confidential Problem Gambling Self-Assessment Tool.

  7. Advertising the Office of Addiction Services and Supports' toll-free helpline (1-877-8-HOPE-NY) across various mediums, including retail outlets, play cards, terminal tickets, all Scratch-Off tickets, Video Lottery machines, and gaming facility signage.

  8. Linking to vital resources such as the State Office of Addiction Services and Supports, the New York Council on Problem Gambling, local Problem Gambling Resource Centers, and Gamblers Anonymous via the New York Lottery website.

  9. Partnering with the State Office of Addiction Services and Supports to develop programs aimed at preventing youth gambling.

  10. Equipping Lottery machines with barcode scanners for age verification via driver's licenses.

  11. Educating Lottery marketing and sales personnel on problem gambling.

  12. Setting guidelines for Video Lottery Gaming sites on creating Responsible Gaming Programs, including employee training and self-exclusion initiatives.

  13. Performing quarterly assessments of all Problem Gambling Plans at Video Lottery Gaming locations.

  14. Evaluating problem gambling initiatives in other states to integrate industry-leading practices into New York's approach as necessary.

  15. Collaborating with business organizations statewide to unify age-verification methods for Lottery and other age-restricted products sold in retail.

  16. Introducing the first Responsible Gaming QR Code in the country, directing New Yorkers to one of seven Regional Problem Gambling Resource Centers for accessible assistance. For more information, visit https://nyproblemgamblinghelp.org/.

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