Summary
- Mohegan and The Soloviev Group, champions of the proposed casino and entertainment project Freedom Plaza, have teamed up with the New York Council on Problem Gambling.
- Through this collaboration, a Problem Gambling Resource Center will be established at the new gaming and entertainment venue.
- Our services are offered at no cost and are available in a variety of languages.
A hopeful step forward emerged as one of the contenders for a New York casino license expressed a heartfelt commitment to tackling gambling-related challenges. On Monday, The Soloviev Group and Mohegan, the visionary minds behind the planned Freedom Plaza entertainment and gaming hub, joyfully announced their partnership with the New York Council on Problem Gambling. This collaboration was cemented with a Memorandum of Understanding, demonstrating their dedication to creating a supportive resource center devoted to these important issues.
New resource center will provide vital support to people affected by gambling
With the ink freshly dried on their new Memorandum of Understanding, two forward-thinking companies have embarked on a noble mission: establishing a dedicated Problem Gambling Resource Center (PGRC) at Freedom Plaza. This partnership is more than a formality; it's a testament to their shared commitment to fostering responsible gambling and providing essential support to individuals dealing with gambling-related challenges. The upcoming PGRC at Freedom Plaza promises to be a haven of knowledge and support. Imagine a space where interactive kiosks invite visitors to explore educational videos on responsible gambling, providing insights and guidance at their fingertips. Picture a cozy corner offering daily coffee service, a warm and welcoming environment for those seeking comfort, connection, or simply a pause from the casino floor. Guided by the terms of the MOU, The Soloviev Group will join forces with the NYCPG, weaving their expertise into the very design and construction of the PGRC. Together, they will carefully orchestrate the initial and ongoing budgets for the Resource Center and will form a joint Problem Gambling Committee. This committee is not just a formality: it will meet regularly to ensure the continuous enhancement of services and outreach efforts, as passionately stated by The Soloviev Group.
The PGRC represents a critical step in delivering safe entertainment
Michelle Hadden, stepping in as the Executive Director of NYCPG, couldn't hide her excitement about joining hands with The Soloviev Group on this groundbreaking project. We're thrilled to be creating a safe and supportive gaming space that champions prevention, awareness, and recovery, she expressed. Ray Pineault, the CEO of Mohegan, echoed this enthusiasm. At Mohegan, defining a world-class gaming experience inherently means nurturing a culture of responsible play, he remarked. He emphasized that developing the PGRC at Freedom Plaza reflects the company's heartfelt commitment to offering support and resources to both team members and guests who are affected by gambling. Pineault concluded, This initiative is a pivotal step toward cultivating a gaming atmosphere that is safe, informed, and community-focused. Adding to this, Michael Hershman, the CEO of The Soloviev Group, said, This partnership underscores our dedication to prioritizing the health and well-being of our guests. By collaborating with the NYCPG, we're setting a new benchmark for responsible gaming in New York. The upcoming PGRC will provide services and support at no cost. Visitors can access the center through multilingual services, catering to New York's diverse communities. The PGRC at Freedom Plaza is inspired by the successful PlaySmart Centers at Mohegan's Niagara, a joint effort with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation.
