MGM Springfield may as well be becoming a lodestar of the responsible gaming community. A community that consists not only of concerned NGOs, but also of players, former addicts, and businesses. With the adoption of GameSense as its new program on the territory of the MGM Springfield Hotel and Casino, the brand is bolstering its efforts to provide players with a safe gaming environment.
MGM Springfield and GameSense Shake Hands
MGM Springfield is taking significant steps to curb gaming addiction and teach its players how to gamble smartly and safely. Aware that gambling is before all a sort of entertainment, MGM is quite forthcoming in explaining that the products that are on offer are challenging to turn a profit on. True, they do offer the occasional big pay-out, but such sums should only be pursued if the player can afford to lose the investment without any regrets.
The program will focus on educating players about the dangers of overindulging in one’s hobby, chasing losses and hoping to make back what has been lost. The MGM Springfield now has a Mass Council on Compulsive Gambling station, which is supported by the Gaming Commission. Everyone is quite welcome to come in for a chat if they are experiencing any of the symptoms of obsessive gambling.
This is a first. No other company has introduced anti-addiction campaigners to its properties. Seeking transparency and credibility, though, MGM is changing the rules of the industry for everyone involved.
According to Marlene Warner, the Executive Director of the Mass Council on Compulsive Gambling,
To learn more about what they’re doing. How games work. What are the odds of winning. It’s also a program to help people connect to treatment and resources outside the casino.
This is a commendable initiative, which is definitely going to draw MGM admirations and transform the brand into a benchmark bearer for rival companies.
GameSense on the Grounds
GameSense will be open 16 hours a day with its staff members working on the desk but also walking around the casino and striking up conversations with the regular visitors of the casinos. Building relations is key to the success of the program and that’s why the staff members are interested in establishing those as early on as they can.
The numbers that have prompted rather more significant measures is the fact that 2% of Massachusetts population is experiencing severe gambling problems, which means that overall 130,000 people may be in desperate need of help. The majority of the population gambles responsibly, but the segment predisposes to certain addictive practices that need to be addressed promptly lest they fester and develop into a full-blown addiction.
GameSense and other organizations, such as Gamble Anonymous have helped many individuals overcome their addiction. From a business standpoint, MGM is also benefiting from openly supporting anti-addiction campaigns, adding to its popularity in a significant way. And yet, there is more that can be done.
Other casinos could be just as forthcoming when addressing the isssue and providing gamers with on-site help which could lead to a drop in the rate of addicts.
