Sands China said in a statement on Wednesday that it held the 8th Responsible Gaming Ambassador programme on September 19-20 at The Venetian Macao, with over 60 of its staff having completed the annual training.
The statement noted that the training aimed to strengthen the staff’s knowledge, and support the government’s “Seeking Help for Winning the Future” responsible gaming initiatives. Through training as Responsible Gaming Ambassadors, the staff gain enhanced knowledge of problem gambling and the importance of responsible gaming.
The programme was delivered by responsible gaming expert Prof. Bo J. Bernhard, vice president of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas’ (UNLV) Office of Economic Development, sharing insights on responsible gaming knowledge and his experience from the US.
The University of Macau’s Institute for the Study of Commercial Gaming Director Prof Davis Fong Ka Chio, also explained the implementation of responsible gaming strategies in Macau, while a team of senior counsellors from the Sheng Kung Hui Gambling Counselling and Family Wellness Centre and its 24-Hour Gambling Counselling Hotline helped enhance the staff’s practical responsible gaming knowledge and skills in areas including crisis management and intervention techniques, according to the statement. Participants also took part in role-playing exercises to reinforce their learning.
Sands China President Wilfred Wong Ying-wai was quoted in the statement as saying “The successful programme remains the only one in Macau held in collaboration with UNLV, and we are proud to continue our collaboration with Professor Bernhard, combining his expertise with our own local experts like Professor Fong and senior instructors from Sheng Kung Hui, for the benefit of our team members and guests”.
The statement said that over 60 team members were presented with UNLV certificates and Sands China Responsible Gaming Ambassador “pins”, now serving as ambassadors in their various departments and positions.
The company has provided the training programme for 600 staff members to date. It has been provided to supplement the company-wide responsible gaming training delivered to over 26,000 staff since 2013.
This undated handout photo provided by Sands China on Wednesday shows Prof. Bo J. Bernhard, vice president of UNLV’s Office of Economic Development, presenting the Sands China’s Responsible Gaming Ambassador programme.
