Arizona, New Hampshire Announce New Responsible Gambling Initiatives
New Hampshire establishes a responsible gaming council, and Arizona introduces a new RG-focused training program, as the states turn their attentions to problem gambling.
Arizona and New Hampshire have undertaken new efforts to minimize gambling harm and encourage responsible gambling among their respective populations.
In Arizona, that effort materialized as an on-demand RG resource intended to teach residents the fundamentals of responsible play. In New Hampshire, the renewed focus prompted the establishment of the New Hampshire Council for Responsible Gaming.
Arizona Training Teaches Fundamentals of Gambling Risk
On Tuesday, Arizona’s Department of Gaming (ADG) announced the launch of its Responsible Gaming Training initiative, a free, self-paced course covering the foundations of responsible gambling.
Per the ADG, the training will break down the risks associated with gambling, how problem gambling differs from positive play, and how to connect with others to address problem gambling. According to a 2023 study commissioned by the ADG, gambling disorder impacts three to four percent of Arizonans 21 plus.
In the release, ADG’s Assistant Director of Government and Community Affairs Jessica Roza said the initiative is creating a “sustainable gaming environment.”
Offering this responsible gaming training is about increasing knowledge, confidence, and skills that make a tremendous difference in improving the conversations and interactions we may encounter day-to-day. I’m excited to share information and resources about responsible gaming that promote a safer, more sustainable gaming environment—and I look forward to briefing community members on how to make this training work for them.”
Roza Will Introduce Curriculum in Online Briefing
The three-hour self-paced online training course is organized into three phases, with optional quizzes at the end of each section. Students may pause the training and resume it later.
“Responsible gaming training has served as a cornerstone of education for gaming industry employees,” added Roza.
Today, we’re excited to expand that impact by offering an on-demand training designed for anyone interested in deepening their understanding of responsible gaming—including those who may not currently participate in gambling, or work in the industry. This broader approach reflects our commitment to the Arizonans we serve.”
The ADG has invited all interested parties — media, stakeholders, and Arizonans — to a live, virtual webinar hosted by Jessica Roza on April 28, 2026, at 10 a.m. MST. The briefing will preview the training resource, allow for audience questions, and conclude with steps individuals can take to further their community’s health and safety.
After Rapid Gambling Expansion, New Hampshire Tackles Harm
As reported by the Concord Monitor, New Hampshire launched its Council for Responsible Gaming (NHCRG) last week to combat problem gambling and encourage responsible play.
When New Hampshire legalized commercial gambling, state officials didn’t anticipate that the pace at which the industry would grow. A decade later, the tax revenue earned from the state’s 13 casinos comes with something else: gambling problems.
“When you have gaming and an expansion of gaming at this level, you would invite problems, and the problems are addiction,” former state senator and council board member Lou D’Allesandro said. “You’ve got to have something in place to deal with this, and the Council for Responsible Gambling is going to create that.”
New Hampshire Sen. Tim Lang said the state must address the consequences of its rapid expansion of gambling:
“We are behind 8 ball on this topic, and we’re trying to play catch-up.”
Last year, New Hampshire lawmakers made some progress by creating a voluntary statewide self-exclusion program. Under the new system, players who self-exclude at one casino property are automatically self-excluded from all others. Previously, residents had to visit each casino individually to exclude themselves from play.
“You know, the fact of the matter is every 17-year-old has a casino in their pocket. And in some cases, that’s unhealthy for people and they don’t know how to get out,” NHCRG board member Jim Rafferty said at the launch.
Rafferty also outlined an initiative to encourage primary care physicians to ask about gambling addiction during their standard patient intake.
“There are problems. We’re going to step up to them,” Rafferty added. “We’re going to do and be effective in trying to combat gambling addiction.”
Gambling Insider delivers the latest industry news, in-depth features, and operator reviews that you can trust. Our team combines rigorous editorial standards with decades of specialized expertise to ensure accuracy and fairness. We are committed to delivering clear, impartial, and dependable coverage across the global gambling sector.
