Sands China Hosts 'Responsible Gaming Hong Kong Training Tour'
Supports Macao government's 'Seeking Help for Winning the Future' responsible gaming initiatives
(Macao, Mar 6, 2024) – Sands China Ltd. recently hosted a Responsible Gaming Hong Kong Training Tour Jan. 16 and 30, aimed at supporting the Macao SAR government's 'Seeking Help for Winning the Future' responsible gaming initiatives, while enhancing attendees' understanding of related practices being implemented in Hong Kong to help them provide better support to those in need.
The 55 participating Responsible Gaming Ambassadors from Sands China were warmly received by Ryan Wong Hing-yan, Supervisor of Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Even Centre, on a visit to this leading counselling and treatment services organisation for gamblers with gambling disorder. The training itinerary included an introduction to Even Centre and a site visit, familiarising the participants with Hong Kong's responsible gaming efforts.
During the tour, the ambassadors had the opportunity to learn from Hong Kong's experience in promoting responsible gaming messages to the community. Notable highlights included the Anti-Gambling Ping Wo Truck, which tours around Hong Kong territories and schools conveying anti-gambling messages and raising awareness about the harms of gambling disorder through exhibitions, interactive games, and brief consultations.
The training program also featured peer counsellors sharing their personal experiences with gambling disorder, offering valuable insights to the ambassadors and providing essential knowledge on the appropriate approach to patrons who may be dealing with gambling disorder. The training equipped the ambassadors with the necessary skills to effectively assist individuals struggling with gambling addiction.
One of the key objectives of the tour was to establish connections with Hong Kong's responsible gaming organisations and bridge resources between the two cities, enabling Sands China to offer enhanced assistance to patrons, further improving its responsible gaming initiatives.
Dr. Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd., said: "Sands China is committed to promoting responsible gaming and ensuring the well-being of our guests and team members. We were therefore pleased to organise the Responsible Gaming Hong Kong Training Tour for our Responsible Gaming Ambassadors, equipping them with invaluable knowledge and insights into best practices. We are grateful to Even Centre for their warm welcome and for sharing their expertise with our ambassadors."
Cookie Chan Wun San, one of the participating ambassadors, said: "I'd like to thank the company for giving me the opportunity to learn more about responsible gaming and to bust gambling myths. I hope the company can bring these speakers to Macao, enabling different departments to understand problem gambling and dispel gambling myths. I also hope that the company can continue to provide us with more related information and knowledge."
As part of the tour, participants had the opportunity to exchange ideas on the causes and effects of gambling disorder. They also learned about the financial and debt management strategies employed by Even Centre to assist those who are affected by the disorder.
The Responsible Gaming Hong Kong Training Tour is part of the Sands Responsible Gaming Academy's ongoing efforts to promote education and well-being among its guests and team members. Sands China has been at the forefront of responsible gaming initiatives in Macao, being the first integrated resort operator to launch a self-exclusion program in 2004. The company has also included responsible gaming training in its company-wide team member orientation program since its inception.
Established in 2007, Sands China's comprehensive responsible gaming program aims to contribute to the continuous development of the Macao community. The company is dedicated to addressing social issues, bearing corporate responsibility, and fostering a culture of responsible gaming in Macao.
The Sands Responsible Gaming Academy, one of the sub-academies under the Sands China Academy, provides comprehensive talent development programs for team members and local industry professionals. The academy not only offers diversified training programmes, but also collaborates with local and international tertiary educational institutions, fostering the development of professionals across various industries in Macao.
Photo caption: Responsible Gaming Ambassadors from Sands China depart from Macao Jan. 16 for a Responsible Gaming Hong Kong Training Tour. The Jan. 16 and 30 tours aimed at supporting the Macao SAR government's 'Seeking Help for Winning the Future' responsible gaming initiatives, while enhancing attendees' responsible gaming knowledge and understanding of related practices being implemented in Hong Kong.
Photo caption: A peer counsellor shares his personal experiences with gambling disorder during the Responsible Gaming Hong Kong Training Tour Jan. 30, offering valuable insights to the ambassadors and providing essential knowledge on the appropriate approach to patrons who may be dealing with gambling disorder.