The Ann Landers Column, Creators Syndicate

Dear Ann Landers Column
Creators Syndicate
5777 West Century Blvd.
Suite 700
Los Angeles, CA 90045

Dear Ann:

As the head of the organization representing the nation’s major hotel-casinos, I wanted to add my own two cents to your response to Seniors in North Hollywood, Calif., who were concerned about the lack of adult supervision of children at a casino they visited in Las Vegas.

Las Vegas offers many activities besides just gambling, such as great shows, dining and shopping, so people of all ages are visiting there for the entire entertainment experience. You and your readers should know, however, that it is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to loiter on any casino floor, even when accompanied by an adult.

While we believe that the responsibility for children lies first and foremost with parents, we have partnered with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children to do all we can to ensure the safety of children who are on our premises. With the assistance of the National Center, we have adopted voluntary guidelines that include posting notices to our guests about local laws; conducting training for our employees; following specific steps when a child or minor is found without adult supervision; and, above all, adhering to all state laws and regulations regarding unattended children, underage gambling, and consumption and purchase of alcoholic beverages.

We cannot emphasize enough that gambling is for adults only. If parents are planning to visit a hotel-casino with their families, they should remain aware of their children’s whereabouts at all times and keep them involved in non-gaming activities.

Sincerely,

Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr.