More states across the US are focusing on responsible gambling, including Colorado
Chris Schroder has been appointed the new director of the Colorado Division of Gaming after the retirement of the former director, Dan Hartman, in May. One of his first responsibilities will be to take a close look at responsible gambling initiatives and how Colorado can make changes.
In over 31 years in the Colorado government, Hartman was vital in passing horse racing legislation and legalizing marijuana and sports betting. Schroder steps into the busy gaming landscape with everything he’ll need to be successful in his new role. He recently spoke with PlayColorado about his aims and priorities as the new director, saying his top priority is promoting responsible gambling.
Schroder’s gaming industry career started in 1999 when he was a cook at a Dubuque, IA racetrack. After landing a security position with Boyd Gaming, he loved the industry so much that he was inspired to climb the ladder with the goal of working on the Las Vegas strip.
His journey working in casinos in Pennsylvania and Colorado during his ascent provided priceless experience in understanding the casino’s needs, working with regulators, and learning the significance of integrity in gambling and responsible gaming. Schroder aims to increase education and provide tools to encourage Colorado gamers to engage in more responsible betting.
The same is true for abstaining from gambling, which is the focus of a new self-exclusion program soon starting in Colorado. “Responsible gaming is a priority of mine, as well as of the division,” said Schroder. “We will soon introduce a statewide self-exclusion program that will give Coloradans the education and resources to make appropriate decisions for themselves and the opportunity to set their limits across all gaming in Colorado.”
The division developed the new program working together with gaming providers, which will include a self-exclusion program, educational material, and technology for verification of excluded players.
Emma Rodriguez is the Proofreader at the Big Blind, with seven years of experience and five years in online gambling. She plays a crucial role in maintaining content quality by ensuring error-free, reader-friendly information about the gambling industry.
