PGCB Launches Responsible Gaming Campaign in Time for March Madness and PGAM

As March Madness looms, sportsbooks are preparing for a drastic spike in activity. At the same time, regulators and safer gambling organizations are warning players about the dangers of excessive gaming.

As one of the most populated states in the US, Pennsylvania has launched its own responsible gambling campaign to remind players, especially younger ones, what is really at stake.

What’s Really at Stake

The new ad campaign is the brainchild of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) and is dubbed “What’s Really at Stake.” As the title suggests, the campaign seeks to raise awareness of the risks associated with gambling and the dangers it could pose to vulnerable players.

The campaign will combine online advertising with social media presence and various promotional materials to encourage players to gamble safely. The campaign comes just in time for March Madness and also coincides with National Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM).

By visiting the campaign’s official website, WhatsReallyatStake.com, gamblers will be able to find a wealth of educational materials and tips on how to avoid some of the pitfalls leading to excessive play.

One of the main objectives of What’s Really at Stake is to help younger players recognize the financial and mental health dangers of playing without moderation. This comes in the wake of studies suggesting that youth gambling is on the rise, particularly among college students in the US.

The Black Market Is the Main Source of Danger

Kevin O’Toole, executive director of the PGCB, commented on the new campaign, highlighting its objective to protect the public. He reaffirmed the focus on younger players, saying that the campaign also includes educational materials for their family members and educators.

O’Toole was not as concerned about the legal gaming industry, since it follows stringent safer gaming rules, as much as he was about its illegal counterpart. He said that the black market has been rapidly growing, exposing vulnerable groups to significant danger due to the lack of protections, such as age verifications and safeguards against excessive spending.

The PGCB also encouraged citizens to seek additional problem gambling education at ResponsiblePlay.pa.gov, the government’s official responsible gaming portal.