Caesars Entertainment has announced two new policies to strengthen its commitment to responsible gambling and protecting players from gambling related harm.
Coinciding with National Problem Gambling Awareness Month, the first of the new policies will include Caesars expanding its self-exclusion program from the end of March.
The policy will encompass Caesars’ offerings, including Caesars Sportsbook, igaming and its land-based facilities, with the exception of limited properties not yet fully integrated into Caesars’ IT environment.
Any consumer registered on a state-sponsored self-exclusion list in which Caesars operates will be added to the new universal exclusion list for Caesars’ gaming facilities and platforms. Other players can also opt into the list to have all gaming privileges revoked.
The expanded program will also allow players to self-exclude via the Caesars Sportsbook app, which will then exclude them from both mobile and in-person betting across the operator’s network.
“To build a platform this technical and expansive was an incredible task and we’re so proud of our team for the work that has been put in to bring this new capability to life,” Caesar’s senior vice president and assistant general counsel for regulatory and compliance, Jeffrey Hendricks, said.
“The implementation of this new policy was challenging, but our goal was to bring a more comprehensive exclusion option to our players to ensure everyone that plays with us, does so responsibly. We’re honored to say we have achieved that goal and now offer the most expansive exclusion option in the country.”
Project 21
Meanwhile, Caesars also revealed that it is in the process of implementing an enhanced 21+ gaming policy. During the first half of the current year, Caesars will restrict access to the Caesars Rewards database from customers in jurisdictions that allow users under the age of 21 to use Caesars’ products.
In addition, where allowed by law, Caesars will limit all domestic gaming, pari-mutuel, sports and igaming to individuals over the age of 21.
“Since launching Project 21 in 1989 and establishing the industry’s first Responsible Gaming standards, Caesars Entertainment has remained stalwart in our commitment to provide meaningful solutions for problem and underage gaming,” Caesars’ president and chief operating officer Anthony Carano said.
“As our company has grown, we recognize the importance of ensuring we are supporting that message in a meaningful way across our enterprise. Establishing consistent standards regarding age restrictions underlines our commitment to our guests and to the industry.”
Special responsibility
Additional changes to Caesars’ responsible gambling measures include expanding its training program, introducing a new Responsible Gaming Council, providing funding for organizations operating in the field, and releasing new national adverts to promote safe gambling.
“As the largest gaming company in North America, we have a special responsibility to ensure that everything we do is built on a solid foundation of Responsible Gaming,” Caesar’s chief executive Tom Reeg said. “We take that responsibility very seriously, and these new policies reflect that commitment.
“We are pleased that now, when a person tells us that playing with us is no longer in their best interest, we will be able to ensure that they are not only excluded from their local property or a state exclusion program through the mobile app, but they are excluded from every gaming platform we offer, in one simple step.
“Given our national presence and multitude of products we offer, we are confident that restricting access to all gaming options and our Caesars Rewards database, including those options traditionally open to people over 18, is in the best interests of our company and our community.”