Gambling in the USA
Colorado Approves $1.5 Million to Combat Problem Gambling
The Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission, at the most recent Commission meeting, approved the first distribution of Responsible Gaming Grant awards totaling $1,571,965 in awards to projects directly addressing the issue of problem gambling, addiction treatment, educational programs, counseling, research, advocacy efforts, or support services.
Five project awards were granted to three organizations, the Kindbridge Research Institute, the Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health, and the Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado, for various projects, including gambling counselor training and certificate programs, research on the current landscape of problem gaming in Colorado, a collegiate awareness program, a social marketing campaign and research on gambling addiction, and the creation of a problem gambling center in Colorado.
Signed into law by Governor Jared Polis on June 7, 2022, House Bill 22-1402 established the Responsible Gaming Grant Program to promote responsible gaming and address problem gaming in Colorado. The act enabled the Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission to administer the annual grant program and award grants to eligible applicants from the Responsible Gaming Grant Program Cash Fund. The responsible gaming grant program is meant to provide meaningful funding and encourage prevention, education on gambling addiction, additional counselors, public awareness, treatment, recovery, data and research in Colorado.
“We would be ignoring the obvious if we did not accept that the largely positive experience of gaming in Colorado does not, amongst its participants, have some who are negatively impacted by their participation. The legislature has recognized, and our Commission prioritized, public education and treatment options, including training certified counselors to help individuals and families. Our actions this month are just the beginning of our efforts to recognize that there is such a thing as problem gaming and to address mitigating its negative impact,” said Commission Chair Richard Nathan.
Peggy Brown with the Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado, a recipient organization of three funding awards, said: “The Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado is excited to be a recipient of funding provided by the Responsible Gaming Grants awarded by the Division of Gaming and the Colorado Gaming Commission. We look forward to continued input and support from both the Division and Commission during grant implementation.”
Gambling in the USA
State of Colorado Marks One Year of Successful Self-Exclusion List for Responsible Gambling
The Colorado Division of Gaming announced that almost 300 people enrolled in the state’s Self-Exclusion Program, ahead of the effort’s one-year anniversary.
The Self-Exclusion Program, which launched in September 2023, is a crucial tool in promoting responsible gaming throughout the state and each signature is a significant step for each person who enrolls.
When people enroll in the Self-Exclusion Program, they voluntarily exclude themselves from participating in gaming activities offered under the regulatory purview of the Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission and the Colorado Division of Gaming.
“We are encouraged by the positive response to the Self-Exclusion Program in its first year. The fact that 288 Coloradans have signed up demonstrates the importance of offering resources for those who seek to manage their gaming habits,” said Division of Gaming Director Chris Schroder.
This initiative is part of Colorado’s broader efforts to foster a safer and more responsible gaming environment. In addition to the Self-Exclusion Program, the Division offers a variety of resources aimed at promoting responsible gaming, including public education campaigns, responsible gaming grants, and access to a 24/7 helpline.
The Self-Exclusion Program is confidential and free of charge, providing individuals with the option to exclude themselves for a period of one year, five years, or even a lifetime. During the exclusion period, participants are barred from entering and gaming at any of the state’s licensed casinos, as well as they are unable to redeem points, bonuses, comps, or freeplay.
Gambling in the USA
US-Based 10 Ten Gaming Launches SmilesCasino.com
10 Ten Gaming has announced the launch of SmilesCasino.com, a new social casino poised to transform social casino gaming.
Smiles Casino aims to offer an unparalleled free-to-play social gaming experience to users across the US via innovative technology, exceptional customer service, and exciting promotional offerings.
The proprietary platform is designed to be easily accessible for all users without the need to download or purchase, providing a thrilling Vegas-style experience from home or on the go.
“We are delighted to launch SmilesCasino.com and look forward to providing the ultimate social casino experience for our users. Smiles Casino transports users to a wonderland of fun and entertainment, while providing safe and secure gameplay in a responsible social gaming environment,” said Carly Sawers, Head of Marketing at 10 Ten Gaming.
Among the many features available on Smiles Casino, users receive a welcome bonus, daily complimentary coins, tailored promotions, a vibrant social media community, and outstanding customer support.
New games are added weekly to an already expansive portfolio of popular game titles spanning a multitude of genres.
The launch of Smiles Casino is the first step in 10 Ten Gaming’s vision to stand at the forefront of the social casino landscape in the US.
Gambling in the USA
Proposal for Lake of the Ozarks Casino will Appear on the November Ballot
Missourians will get to vote on whether to authorize a casino at the Lake of the Ozarks.
Backers of a casino in the popular tourist destination need to go to statewide voters to build the casino, because the Missouri Constitution only authorizes those gaming facilities on the Missouri and Mississippi rivers.
Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft initially rejected putting the ballot item before voters, contending that the measure didn’t collect enough signatures in the required six out of eight congressional districts. Ashcroft found that the plan did receive the necessary signatures in five districts but fell short in Missouri’s 2nd Congressional District.
Cole County Judge Daniel Green ruled on Friday that proponents of the casino ballot item did actually gather enough signatures in the 2nd District, which encompasses parts of St. Louis, St. Charles and Warren counties, and all of Franklin County. He then ordered Ashcroft to place the proposal on the Nov. 5 ballot.
Ashcroft spokesman JoDonn Chaney said the GOP statewide official does not plan on appealing Green’s ruling.
“During the initiative petition review process local election authorities were tasked with checking well over 1 million signatures,” Chaney said in an email. “From their reporting, the secretary of state’s office determined the Osage River Gaming petition was just short of the required signature count for ballot certification. After a challenge by the petitioner it was determined that enough additional signatures could be verified to place the petition on the November ballot.”
Backers of the plan to build the Lake of the Ozarks casino say the facility will spur 500 construction jobs and create 700 to 800 permanent jobs. State revenue from the casino would go toward education programs, with a specific emphasis on early child literacy efforts.
Missourians are also to vote on a measure legalizing sports betting, though opponents of that proposal filed a lawsuit contending that it didn’t get enough signatures in six out of eight districts.
-
Latest News5 days ago
FanDuel Launches “Trusted Voices: Conversations About Betting” Focused on Helping Parents and Families Discuss Gambling
-
Gambling in the USA5 days ago
US-Based 10 Ten Gaming Launches SmilesCasino.com
-
Latest News5 days ago
Amusnet and Betplay Toast to Success with Cocktail Rush by Melissa Martínez
-
Latest News6 days ago
EPIC Global Solutions and Bally’s Partner to Set New Standards for Responsible Gaming
-
Africa4 days ago
Tusk Casino Celebrates Trace’s R2.3 Million Jackpot Victory
-
Canada5 days ago
IGT Launches its Second Omnichannel Wide Area Progressive Game in Canada, Money Mania Slots
-
Latest News5 days ago
Novig Launches First Prediction Market for Sports Nationally
-
Latest News5 days ago
Scientific Games to Develop New Jurassic World-Themed Lottery Games