Track 1: Research/Policy
The Responsible Gambling Frontline: Rethinking the Role of RG Advisors and Casino Staff
4:00 PM - 5:00 PMMon
Marco Polo 803
Registration Required

Your registration must include one of the required registration options to attend this session. [ Details ]

Speakers
Mark Vander Linden
Massachusetts Gaming Commission
Michael Wohl
PhD
Carleton University
Documents
The Responsible Gambling Frontline Rethinking the Role of RG Advisors and Casino Staff
Responsible Gambling (RG) Advisors and frontline casino staff are often the first—and sometimes only—point of contact in player protection efforts. Yet their roles are frequently constrained by unclear mandates, limited training, and the perception that RG is separate from the core player experience. This session will challenge conventional thinking about how these positions are structured, supported, and measured. Drawing on real-world examples from Massachusetts’ GameSense program, we will explore what’s working, where the gaps are, and how both advisors and casino staff can be empowered to serve as credible, approachable, and effective advocates for RG. Through interactive discussion and case-based insights, we will examine how RG Advisors and casino staff can be most effectively positioned within a broader player protection framework. The session will highlight practical strategies for clarifying roles, strengthening training, and fostering a culture of accountability that empowers RG Advisors and casino staff to deliver harm-minimization messages, build trust with players, and contribute meaningfully to safer gambling environments. Learning Objectives: By the end of this session, participants will be able to: 1) Analyze the current roles and responsibilities of RG Advisors and casino staff, identifying strengths, limitations, and common misconceptions. 2) Apply evidence-based strategies—drawn from research and field experience—to enhance the credibility, approachability, and impact of frontline RG efforts. 3) Develop actionable recommendations for role design, training, and workplace integration that strengthen player protection in both regulatory and operational contexts.