Strengthening the Future of Responsible Gaming
States must lead the charge to ensure RG safeguards keep pace with emerging technologies.
Responsible Gaming Education Month in September offered the gaming industry a moment to pause, reflect and recommit to the principles that keep gambling safe, sustainable and grounded in consumer protection.
As we move into October, and as I begin my tenure as chairperson of the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States’ Responsible Gaming Committee, I find myself thinking not only about the progress we’ve made, but also about the urgent work ahead.
For nearly three decades, Responsible Gaming Education Month has encouraged operators, regulators, employees and players to treat gambling as entertainment, to understand safeguards, and to learn about support resources.
This year’s observance, led by the American Gaming Association, marked its 28th anniversary. But the responsibility to protect consumers does not begin and end in September; it’s a year-round obligation and one that state legislators must continue to lead.
NCLGS has adopted a comprehensive resolution outlining best practices for responsible and problem gambling. While the resolution doesn’t impose mandates, it reflects a unified commitment among lawmakers across the country to elevate responsible gaming as a core pillar of public policy.
The rapid growth of sports betting, online casino gaming and other digital products has brought both opportunities and challenges. States now face questions that didn’t exist a decade ago, and they need evidence-based frameworks to guide their decisions.
At the NCLGS Summer Meeting in San Diego, NCLGS President and Georgia Representative Al Williams received unanimous support in appointing me to chair the Responsible Gaming Committee. As I step into my new role after serving as NCLGS vice president, I’m committed to advancing these priorities with urgency and collaboration. We will call for cross-jurisdictional cooperation—an essential step as gaming becomes increasingly interconnected.
Addressing problem gambling is at the top of the agenda for all of us at NCLGS, and I believe we provide a strong foundation for states to build on. We must continue to engage with regulators, operators, researchers and advocates to ensure that responsible gaming evolves alongside the industry.
“Responsible gaming is not a regulatory box to check; it’s a commitment to safeguarding individuals, families and communities.”
As gaming expands, so does our responsibility. States must ensure that policies reflect not only economic considerations but also the health and well-being of the people we serve. Responsible gaming is not a regulatory box to check; it’s a commitment to safeguarding individuals, families and communities.
We know that gambling problems can have devastating consequences. We also know that early intervention, clear information and accessible resources can make a profound difference. By embracing evidence-based practices, fostering collaboration across states and modernizing consumer protections, we can build a gaming environment that is both innovative and responsible.
My goal as chair is simple: to ensure that responsible gaming remains at the forefront of every policy discussion, every regulatory decision and every legislative debate. The industry will continue to evolve. New products will emerge. Technology will reshape how people play. But our commitment to protecting consumers must remain constant.
I look forward to working with my colleagues across the country to advance policies that reflect the values of safety, transparency and responsibility. The next NCLGS Winter Meeting—taking place December 9-12 at the JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District in Georgia—will be an important opportunity to continue this dialogue.
Our Responsible Gaming Committee will convene experts, lawmakers and stakeholders to examine emerging trends, share research and identify actionable steps states can take to strengthen consumer protections. I encourage legislators and industry leaders to join us and be part of this critical conversation.
Details are available at NCLGS.org.
Christie Carpino is chair of the NCLGS Responsible Gaming Committee and a member of the Connecticut House of Representatives.
