Tribal gaming leaders announced their support for the Tribal-Wide Self-Exclusion Program, an initiative to improve responsible gaming and community well-being. The Tribal Council for Responsible Gaming founded the program and partnered with the safer gaming technology group idPair. idPair will provide its self-exclusion software, created to adhere to local regulations and protect tribal sovereignty.
“This initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to the health of our people and communities. By tribes coming together to offer a streamlined process for self-exclusion with a technology partner that shares our values, we help people in our communities who are looking to take a break or stop gambling do so for the amount of time they need,” said Ivory Kelly, CEO of the Tribal Council for Responsible Gaming.
The program will let players voluntarily exclude themselves from all participating tribal casinos in sovereign nations and territories. It's set to launch this month in Wisconsin and then expand to other states.
“Tribal nations have long been at the forefront of promoting responsible gaming practices, demonstrating leadership through our actions. This initiative not only underscores the commitment of tribal nations to player protection but also sets a precedent for others to follow. We encourage all tribal leaders and regulators to extend their consideration in joining this program, expanding its reach and reinforcing our collective dedication to responsible gaming,” added Ernie Stevens Jr., Chairman of the Indian Gaming Association of Washington D.C.
The initiative will be presented at the Chairman’s Lounge during the Indian Gaming Tradeshow and Convention in April.
Advisory board names for the program
The Advisory Board for the Tribal-Wide Self-Exclusion Program is already established and consists of several notable names. In addition to the aforementioned Ernie Stevens, Jr., Anika Howard, President and CEO of Wondr Nation, will also be on the Advisory Board.
Jamie Hummingbird, Chairman of the National Tribal Gaming Commissioners/Regulators, Oscar Schuyler, Chairman of the Board of Regulators, Tribal Gaming Regulatory Authority, and Alabama Coushatta Tribe of Texas, and Tamara Van Schyndel, Executive Director of the Paskenta Tribal Gaming Commission will join them on the Board.
Problem Gambling Awareness Month kicks off multiple campaigns
The Tribal-Wide Self-Exclusion Program is one of several initiatives announced this month, as local and national organizations join the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) in observing Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM).
PGAM's theme this year is “Seeking Understanding,” with the aim of raising awareness of problem gambling as a health condition that — despite being frequently misunderstood — can severely impact individuals, their families, and their communities.
