The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) has launched its Operation Responsible Gambling campaign, which aims to support members of the military community who are affected by gambling-related harm.
The campaign, supported by Entain and RG24seven, aims to raise awareness about gambling issues within all branches of the military community, including veterans, military-affiliated family members and on-duty personnel.
“The research is clear that members of the military community are at higher risk for gambling problems, yet military community members may not know what to do or where to go,” said Keith Whyte, executive director of the NCPG.
“We want to make sure they know there is hope and help available.”
Richard Taylor Jr., chair of the NCPG Military Committee, said: “As a Marine veteran and Responsible Gambling Program Manager for BetMGM, I’m excited to lend my personal and professional experience to this important project.
“It’s critical that we provide our military community with the education and tools they need to make the right choices when it comes to gambling.”
Content on the “Operation Responsible Gambling” campaign website includes videos of veterans talking about their own experiences with gambling during their time of service and their recovery journey through the Veterans Administration gambling services.
The site also features resources for site users to learn about what constitutes problem gambling, find where to seek professional help and how to join treatment facilities.
“Entain offers the most comprehensive services for at-risk gamblers around the world,” said Martin Lycka, senior vice president for American regulatory affairs and responsible gambling at Entain and trustee of the Entain Foundation US.
“We want to help ensure that their gambling entertainment is fun and safe with the knowledge that there are experts and services available to help if they have a problem.”
A survey from the NCPG in April suggested that young adults are at a particular risk of gambling harm.