Oregon Lottery wraps up first round of retailer training

More than 6,000 Oregon Lottery retailer employees around the state have been trained on how to help Lottery players gamble responsibly.

Last year, the Oregon Lottery launched a training module entitled Responsible Gambling & You. To date, a total of 3,903 Traditional and Video Lottery retail locations have completed the program – 99-percent of all Oregon Lottery retailers.

Recognizing the challenges associated with training frontline retail staff, the Lottery developed a simple, short and tailored program that could easily be taken on any mobile device or desktop computer. The training is not intended for employees to counsel people, but is designed to point them to resources for help. This training also helps direct family, friends and other loved ones to finding the assistance they may need.

“As part of a focused training effort, the Oregon Lottery invested in the development of online training programs that were designed specifically for bar, tavern, restaurant and deli-style retailers that carry Video Lottery products such as line & poker games. Training was also developed for our retailers who carry Lottery “traditional” products such as Scratch-it tickets and draw games like Keno, Powerball & Oregon’s Game Megabucks among others,” said Krystal Smith, Associate Program Manager, Oregon Lottery.

“As part of our commitment to the state of Oregon, the Lottery recognizes that we have a shared responsibility with our retailers for the promotion of responsible gambling practices,” said Stacy Shaw, Senior Manager Product Marketing for the Oregon Lottery. “We are dedicated to ensuring that players and their families have the information they need to make informed choices about gambling as well as direct access to help that is free, confidential and effective. It is also part of our commitment that we provide ongoing education and training to our retailers and their staff regarding responsible gambling practices.”

With that commitment in mind, Oregon Lottery retailers were asked to have their staff take the responsible gambling training program. The training assists employees with skills to point players to resources to get help. One percent of Oregon Lottery proceeds are directed at funding programs that assist people who have gambling related issues. More than $92 million has been directed to these programs.

Lottery Corporate Accounts Manager Debbie Jahn said that the retailer training has been well-received.

“Several retailers have commented about how the training is helping their customer service folks,” Jahn said. “By supplying pamphlets, providing the training video and other materials, we are committed to helping retailers provide a fun, safe play environment for Lottery games.”