Arizona is expanding its efforts to address problem gambling with a new statewide responsible gaming campaign throughout September. The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) and Arizona Lottery announced the initiative for Responsible Gaming Education Month. The campaign will promote practical ways to keep gambling recreational while making support services more accessible. It’s the latest example of the scope of Arizona’s responsible gaming strategy.
ADG launched its Responsible Play for a Stronger Arizona campaign on Sept. 1, focusing on habits such as setting time/spending limits before placing a bet, taking breaks, and treating it as entertainment.
The message will appear across digital platforms, streaming services, social media, and television, including advertisements available in both English and Spanish. ADG and the Lottery are also asking cities and towns to participate by promoting state resources within their own communities.
This is important because instead of leaving responsible gaming education entirely to sportsbooks, Arizona is taking a proactive approach. They are making information available as an early intervention before someone reaches the point where they’re dealing with problem gambling. They’re attempting to create responsible gaming habits right from the beginning.
A recent statewide study covered in Arizona Gambling Survey Highlights Concerns Over Problem Gambling found that roughly one in five Arizona adults reported experiencing at least one indicator of problem gambling. The research also showed that residents are gambling more frequently than they were when the previous study was conducted in 2022.
Those findings give Arizona a better understanding of where additional education and treatment may be needed. They also show why simply telling people to “gamble responsibly” isn’t enough on its own.
Arizona’s approach includes tools for individuals at different stages. This includes education for recreational players and professional help for those dealing with problem gambling.
In August, Arizona’s Division of Problem Gambling expanded access to free financial counseling through GamFin. Residents enrolled in the state’s self-exclusion program or Treatment Assistance Program can receive confidential help with issues including debt management, spending plans and financial guardrails.
That adds another component to the traditional responsible gaming model. Stopping or reducing gambling is the first priority, but addressing financial issues is another step in dealing with problem gambling.
The combination of prevention, treatment, and financial recovery helps Arizona stand out as a leader in responsible gaming.
In July, the ADG issued cease-and-desist orders to five online gambling operators, as detailed in Arizona Targets Five Online Gambling Operators.
This focus on enforcement provides another example of how Arizona has prioritized responsible gaming with this campaign. Licensed operators are subject to Arizona regulations and consumer protections, while unregulated platforms do not, putting users at risk.
By being active with enforcement, the ADG is creating a safer environment for Arizona sports bettors to go along with their responsible gaming initiative for September.
