Starting with game facts and casino etiquette, PlayersEdge also helps players understand their own behavior, identify risks of gambling, and develop positive play habits. For those whose gambling has gone too far, PlayersEdge offers the assistance of voluntary self-exclusion and referrals to professional help and counseling services.
While responsible gambling messages have become common in the industry, casino guests often tune them out, believing its information is “not for me.” PlayersEdge speaks differently to people, using the lively voice of casino gamblers to attract their attention.
The program – to be implemented across all Hard Rock and Seminole Gaming casino properties – piques intrigue, with a tone that for most messages is positive, fun and entertaining. For people seeking help, the tone is supportive and non-judgmental.
“We built PlayersEdge by listening to gamblers. We want to communicate the right information by appealing to how they actually think and behave in casinos,” said Paul Pellizzari, Vice President of Global Social Responsibility for Hard Rock International. “By understanding the risk profiles and experience levels of different player types, we can segment and target information more precisely, bringing a new focus on preventing problems before they start.”
To change the culture of gaming, Hard Rock wants to increase gambling literacy while inspiring honest conversations about slot machines, table games, and other gaming experiences. “We want players to become confident and to talk openly about gambling—with each other, their families and their friends. We want dialogue on what’s healthy and fun, and what’s risky. Our employees are critical to this change,” Pellizzari said.
The segmentation strategy behind PlayersEdge is also the foundation for new training and culture-building programs rolling out at Hard Rock.
Through PlayersEdge education, employee training and culture-building, Hard Rock is working to appeal to all players’ interests and curiosities so they can better understand and manage their gambling.
“When players have the knowledge and confidence to make informed choices, to self-reflect, and to recognize and act upon growing risk concerns, then our casinos can build a healthy base of customers who gamble safely and return to our properties year after year,” states the company.
Source: Hard Rock
