Responsible Gaming

Other Responsible Gaming Education Efforts

MGA helped sponsor the 2009 Midwest Conference on Problem Gambling and Substance Abuse: "Roads to Recovery - A Collaborative Approach," which was held August 12-14 at the Hilton Frontenac in St. Louis, MO. Representatives of the gambling industry and more than 200 addiction experts and treatment providers from 18 states gathered at the event focused on the issue of problem gambling and co-occurrence with other addictions such as drugs and alcohol abuse.

MGA members have implemented the AGA's Code of Conduct as a commitment to a comprehensive, industry-wide approach to promoting responsible gaming. The Code encompasses employee assistance and training, alcohol service, advertising and marketing, public awareness, and support for problem gambling research initiatives.

MGC members recognize that making a smart bet in most games includes understanding the game. With this in mind, all Missouri casinos offer brochures that provide information about the advantage casinos have in all games. Published by the AGA, The House Advantage - A Guide to Understanding the Odds, discusses mathematical probabilities and other factors that impact winning and losing and also addresses some common myths associated with gambling.

Through collateral materials at all casinos, MGA encourages patrons to establish their own limits by developing a set of personal guidelines to determine whether, when and how much to gamble. Personal guidelines to low-risk gambling should be developed with the following precepts in mind:

  • The Decision to Gamble is a Personal Choice
  • Gambling is Not Essential for Having a Good Time
  • What Constitutes an Acceptable Loss Needs to Be Established Before Starting to Gamble
  • There are Times When People Should Not Gamble
  • There are Certain High-Risk Situations During Which Gambling Should Be Avoided.