Responsible Gambling Council (RGC)

We're thrilled to announce a groundbreaking partnership between the Responsible Gambling Council and Greo Evidence Insights to develop a comprehensive, multi-year youth gambling prevention strategy. Why this matters: The gambling landscape has changed dramatically. Young people today grow up with gambling-like elements in video games, sports betting ads in their social feeds, and access at their fingertips. Prevention needs to catch up. Our approach: • Three-stage approach spanning high school to elementary ages   • Direct engagement with students, parents, educators, and coaches   • Evidence-based design informed by 20+ years of prevention work   • Clear pathways to measurable outcomes We'll assess current realities, engage the people this affects most, and build a strategy that addresses the risks youth actually face today. As Sarah McCarthy, RGC's Chief Executive Officer, shared: "We're building a world-class prevention strategy that puts young people first. Grounded in rigorous research and informed by the voices of youth and communities, this program has the potential to set a new standard." Trudy Smit Quosai, CEO of Greo, added: "This collaborative approach—bringing together youth perspectives, research evidence, and practical insights—is essential to prevent gambling-related harm." Gambling should never come at a human cost. Young people deserve to understand the risks, know how to protect themselves, and access support when they need it. This is prevention done right. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gHcmMWC4 #ResponsibleGambling #Greo #YouthGamblingPrevention 

Our CEO Sarah McCarthy spoke at the Ontario Principals' Council OPCLeadLearn Conference on Nov. 14, addressing how schools can better protect students from gambling-related harms. Sarah shared findings from our Youth Research Project showing that 24% of Ontario students in grades 7-12 have spent real money on gambling-like features in video games, while 20.8% have gambled at some point in their lifetime. She introduced principals and counsellors to Beyond the Game: Understanding the Risks of Gambling, our new training module for Grade 11 and 12 student athletes and coaches. Results from the pilot program showed strong effectiveness: • 92% of students now know where to go for help • 76% intend to use the strategies they learned • 100% of facilitators found the program relevant “As principals and vice principals, you're on the front lines of student wellbeing, navigating issues that are no longer fringe, but part of the digital and social environments your students experience daily,” Sarah told the attendees. “Whether you feel ready to tackle these conversations or are just beginning to consider them, the Responsible Gambling Council is here to help.” That's why RGC has been partnering with Ontario schools for more than 20 years, funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health, to deliver evidence-informed prevention programs. Principals interested in bringing Beyond the Game to their schools can learn more about implementation at our upcoming webinars on November 25 (https://lnkd.in/ggGfbtzM). The program is available at no cost to all Ontario schools. 

If you missed out on RGC’s Youth Research Project Educational Webinar, you have one more opportunity to gain critical insights into youth gambling prevention.    Our webinar on Nov. 20 brought together more than 200 participants from across the sector—educators, government representatives, community organizations, treatment providers, and prevention practitioners—for an important discussion on youth gambling prevention.    If you weren't able to attend, you have one final opportunity on Nov. 25 to gain these critical insights.    What You'll Learn: Join Jennifer Reynolds, PhD, Associate Director, Research and Knowledge Mobilization, and Lisa Couperus, Associate Director, Education and Programs, as they share findings from RGC's comprehensive 2023–24 youth research project. This study examined the prevention needs of youth and young adults, gathering perspectives from young people themselves and the adults who influence them most—parents, teachers, and coaches.    Key Topics:  • Emerging trends in youth gambling and risk behaviours  • Opportunities for education, prevention, and early intervention  • Practical recommendations to strengthen youth-focused supports across sectors Final Session Details  Tuesday, November 25, 2025  12:00–1:00 PM EST Register Now: https://lnkd.in/ggGfbtzM Dr. Reynolds brings more than 15 years of applied research experience in the gambling field, specializing in community-based approaches and youth prevention programming. Her work emphasizes translating complex research into actionable strategies that create meaningful, lasting change.    Don't miss this opportunity to understand how we can better support young people and strengthen prevention efforts across education, community, and health systems.   For educators, community organizations, prevention practitioners, and anyone working to support youth well-being.

Tracy Parker, our SVP of Accreditation, Advisory & Insights, is presenting tomorrow during European Safer Gambling Week 2025 on the Online Self-Exclusion Recommended Code of Practice. Self-exclusion is one of the most critical tools players have to manage their gambling when they feel the need to take a break from gambling. But it needs to be accessible, comprehensive, and properly implemented across operators. Tracy will be joined by Dr Margaret Carran (City, University of London) and Šimon Vincze (Casino Guru) to discuss best practices that make self-exclusion more effective for players who need support. You can attend the live webinar here: https://lnkd.in/efR-bDR2 #ResponsibleGambling #ESGW25 #SelfExclusion #PlayerProtection 

Tracy Parker, our SVP of Accreditation, Advisory & Insights, presented yesterday at the Gambling Leaders' Summit on leveraging open banking tools to enhance consumer protection and promote responsible gambling. Through RG Check accreditation, we've assessed accounts and payments procedures for more than 50 iGaming operators worldwide, giving us valuable insights into affordability checks, spending limits, and financial risk detection indicators. Financial harm prevention is emerging as a critical issue in responsible gambling. We're exploring how financial insights can better support player health and protect at-risk populations—an area seeing innovative developments in the UK, Europe, and Australia. This work exemplifies our 360-degree stakeholder approach. Open banking requires collaboration between regulators, operators, financial institutions, and tech providers to be effective. When we work together, we create stronger safeguards and better outcomes for players. For more information on RG Check: https://lnkd.in/dBbS-hX8 #ResponsibleGambling #RGCheck #OpenBanking 

Our digital campaigns this year delivered crucial risk awareness messaging to millions across Canada:  • 74.6 million risk awareness messages through 'The Randoms' PSA  • 10.7 million targeted ads promoting safer gambling practices by the ‘Plan Before You Play’ campaigns  • National broadcast coverage aired across CTV, Global, CityTV, CBC and other Canadian networks, reaching 23.8 million ad views, amplifying key prevention messages  Digital platforms allow us to meet people where they are - providing accessible information in spaces where they're already engaging with gambling content. In an environment where people are seeing messages about gambling, we ensure they also have access to practical information about setting limits, understanding odds, and recognizing warning signs.  Every impression is an opportunity to support someone in making informed decisions about their gambling.  Our digital prevention work continues: https://lnkd.in/gZGAxKZu  #ResponsibleGambling #SaferGambling #DigitalCampaign

Our Community Engagement and Partnerships Program demonstrates the importance of culturally responsive prevention work: • Meaningful conversations with Indigenous communities across Sault Ste. Marie, Nipissing First Nation, and Manitoulin Island   • Breaking down language, stigma, and cultural barriers with South Asian communities  • Fostering connections with ethnocultural communities True prevention happens when we meet communities where they are, with respect, understanding, and resources that reflect their unique needs and experiences. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gZGAxKZu #ResponsibleGambling 

Join us for an exclusive webinar revealing key insights from RGC's comprehensive youth research project and how they're transforming our approach to harm prevention.    Young people are a priority focus for RGC’s prevention programs as they are at unique risk for developing harm. In 2023–24, RGC conducted a comprehensive research project to better understand the needs of youth and young adults. The findings will help shape how we connect with and support young people, through a new Youth Framework and Strategy to guide our work and strengthen harm reduction and prevention efforts across education, community, and health systems.    Join Dr. Jennifer Reynolds, Associate Director, Research and Knowledge Mobilization, and Lisa Couperus, Associate Director, Education and Programs, for a one-hour webinar exploring key insights from the project, including perspectives from youth and young adults. Two sessions available: Thursday, November 20, 2025 | 12:00–1:00 PM EST | REGISTER: https://lnkd.in/gEjbAcgw Tuesday, November 25, 2025 | 12:00–1:00 PM EST | REGISTER: https://lnkd.in/ggGfbtzM  Both sessions will cover the same content. The session will be recorded for all participants. #ResponsibleGambling #YouthPrevention #GamblingResearch #HarmPrevention #KnowledgeMobilization #CommunityImpact

Lorelle Muller Lumsden from RGC and Tyjondah Kerr from OLG shared compelling evidence of how partnership-driven player support is making a difference at the Charitable Gaming Conference on Oct. 29. From PlaySmart Centre innovations to personalized check-in calls during My PlayBreak, their presentation highlighted how thoughtful collaboration between prevention organizations and operators creates safer gambling environments that truly support players. The numbers speak for themselves: more than 151 meaningful conversations where charitable gaming players felt supported in making positive changes. This is what our 360° approach looks like in practice. Thank you to the Conference organizers and all attendees for the meaningful dialogue and collaboration. Together, we're building a safer future for players and communities.     Hosted by the Commercial Gaming Association of Ontario and the Ontario Charitable Gaming Association, the Charitable Gaming Conference focuses on the charitable gaming sector in Ontario and brings together commercial operators, charities, government partners, and gaming suppliers.     For more information on the conference: https://lnkd.in/gEmJRc6K #ResponsibleGambling #CharitableGaming #PlaySmart20 

Our CEO Sarah McCarthy delivered opening remarks at the Charitable Gaming Conference 2025 on Oct. 30, where she explored the critical importance of robust player protection strategies during this period of rapid change and expansion in Ontario's gambling sector. With gambling becoming more accessible than ever, evidence-based prevention remains at the heart of everything we do, guiding our commitment to player safety and responsible gaming. The charitable gaming sector plays a vital role in supporting communities across Ontario, and with that comes the responsibility to ensure gambling never comes at a human cost. Our highly trained PlaySmart staff continue to provide specialized support for players across the entire spectrum of gambling experiences, ensuring that our player protection strategies evolve to meet them wherever they are. It was inspiring to connect with industry leaders, regulators, and community partners who share our commitment to fostering safer gambling environments. At RGC, we believe that supporting the health of the player base isn't just the right thing to do; it's essential for the long-term sustainability of the entire industry. Thank you to the Conference organizers and all attendees for the meaningful dialogue and collaboration. Together, we're building a safer future for players and communities. Hosted by the Commercial Gaming Association of Ontario and the Ontario Charitable Gaming Association, the Charitable Gaming Conference focuses on the charitable gaming sector in Ontario and brings together commercial operators, charities, government partners, and gaming suppliers. For more information on the conference: https://lnkd.in/gEmJRc6K #ResponsibleGambling #CharitableGaming