The Responsible Gaming Association of New Mexico (RGANM) is proud to celebrate 30 years of dedicated service to New Mexico communities, marking three decades of leadership in responsible gaming education, prevention, treatment support, and public awareness.
From the first conversations between tribal gaming leaders in 1993, their vision for RGANM was to proactively address problem gambling as tribal gaming came into being across the state. What began as a working group of designated representatives evolved into a formal association committed to recognizing problem gambling as a serious social issue and ensuring resources were available to those in need
Since its official formation in 1996, RGANM has played a critical role in shaping responsible gaming practices in New Mexico. Early efforts included developing formal policies, supporting the creation of a statewide problem gambling help line, and launching mandatory responsible gaming training programs for casino employees. These initiatives helped establish consistent standards across tribal gaming properties and ensured that employees at all levels understood how to recognize and respond to problem gambling behaviors
Over the years, RGANM expanded its impact through education and outreach. The organization sponsored New Mexico’s first statewide conference on problem gambling in 1998 and has continued to host annual conferences, even moving to virtual training during Covid, for nearly three decades—bringing together healthcare professionals, behavioral health providers, researchers, regulators, and gaming industry leaders to share best practices and emerging research.
RGANM has also invested heavily in public awareness efforts. This includes statewide advertising campaigns, multiple documentary film projects focused on responsible gaming and recovery, and the development of self-exclusion, credit and financial counseling, and marketing policies that prioritize player well-being. Notably, RGANM’s documentary Knowing When to Stop earned national recognition and highlighted New Mexico’s leadership in responsible gaming initiatives.
In addition to prevention and education, RGANM has supported access to treatment and recovery services. The association helped establish early intervention programs, funded treatment services available to all New Mexico residents, and supported the creation in 2002 of long-term recovery housing specifically for individuals affected by gambling disorder. More recently, RGANM has funded statewide prevalence studies and sponsored specialized training for behavioral health professionals to strengthen care across the state.
As RGANM marks its 30th anniversary, the organization also unveils its updated logo, symbolizing both its long-standing commitment and its forward-looking vision. While much has changed since its early days, RGANM’s mission remains the same: to promote responsible gaming, reduce gambling-related harm, and ensure help is accessible to individuals and families throughout New Mexico.
RGANM looks ahead to continuing this important work—building on three decades of progress while adapting to new challenges and opportunities in responsible gaming for generations to come.
