[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 156 (Tuesday, September 26, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E884-E885]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             RECOGNIZING RESPONSIBLE GAMING EDUCATION MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DINA TITUS

                               of nevada

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 26, 2023

  Ms. TITUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize September as Responsible 
Gaming Education

[[Page E885]]

Month. Twenty-five years ago. the American Gaming Association 
established Responsible Gaming Education Week to promote responsible 
gaming nationwide and to educate employees and customers on the 
subject. This effort was expanded to Responsible Gaming Education Month 
in 2022.
  I am proud to represent Las Vegas which sets the gold standard when 
it comes to gaming and gaming regulation. Casino gaming is legal in 44 
states and sports betting is legal and operational in 35 states, 
providing jobs to 1.8 million individuals around the country. Last 
year, consumers spent a record $60 billion at commercial casinos. This 
translated to $13.5 billion in direct gaming taxes to state and local 
governments, exclusive of the billions of dollars in income and sales 
tax that casinos contribute to communities. All this revenue supports a 
range of needed public services like hospitals, schools, 
transportation, and public safety.
  Responsible gaming is a central tenant of the gaming industry which 
goes to great lengths to make sure employees are trained in best 
practices for recognizing and dealing with problem gaming and patrons 
are aware of options for help if they need it. Last year, states 
earmarked $104 million for problem gaming research and the promotion of 
responsible gaming resources. Many operators go above and beyond the 
minimum, partnering with organizations to educate consumers and 
employees and adhering to voluntary responsible gaming and marketing 
codes. This includes deploying responsible gaming tools like limits on 
deposits, wagers, and play time.
  This year, Responsible Gaming Education Month has four themes: 
Empowering Customers to Play Responsibly; Legal, Regulated Gaming 
Protects Players; Building a Responsible Gaming Culture Within; and 
Advancing Responsible Gaming Research.
  I commend operators around the country for their work on these 
important issues and for ensuring that the customer is always put 
first. I thank the many employees of the gaming industry in my district 
and around the country for their efforts to educate patrons about 
responsible gaming.

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