In order to reinforce the importance of age verification and other best practices as part of New York state’s commitment to responsible gaming, the New York State Gaming Commission’s Division of Lottery has launched new training for lottery retailers.

“Responsible gaming principles guide New York state’s efforts in the design, marketing and sale of lottery games,” Commission Executive Director Robert Williams said. “Retailers help maintain the integrity and safety of our games, and this new training supports them.

Also Read: NY Lottery

Related: Corinth man wins a million dollars.

Related: Hartsdale woman won 18.9 million lottery prize.

In addition to reviewing acceptable forms of identification and how to spot a fake ID, the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteryries-produced training also covers how to engage customers who may not be accustomed to showing ID for the purchase of a Lottery

New York Lottery Director Gweneth Dean said, “Lottery retailers are the first line of defense in the prevention of both underage and at-risk play. “Along with other tools, this training gives businesses the ability to serve young people.”

Several larger retailers will administer the training through their internal learning management systems after being offered via the lottery’s retailer portal. After completion, owners, managers and frontline staff who work with lottery games and interact with players will have a common understanding of what Sell Responsibly means.

The staff of the New York Lottery are participating in the training.

New York Lottery said that retailers are required to post commission-supplied age verification and responsible gaming signs in highly visible locations. Store owners, managers and clerks are encouraged to use a customized responsible gaming terminal key to print discreet messages that they can give to lottery players who they suspect might need help.

All game odds, prize structure, prizes remaining and payouts are on the New York Lottery website to help customers make informed decisions. Earlier this year, New York became the first lottery in the world to design, print and distribute scratch-off tickets that have a code that players can use to access problem gambling at over 15,000 retailers statewide.

The commission is a founding member of the New York Responsible Play Partnership, along with the New York State Office of Addiction Supports and Services and the New York Council on Problem Gambling. The Responsible Play Partnership identifies how to best promote responsible gaming practices and policies.