NCRG Reached New Funding Milestone
New funding commitments from several leading gaming companies along with proceeds from three charity events held in 2003 have pushed total funding for the National Center for Responsible Gaming (NCRG) beyond the $13 million mark.
The most recent funding commitments will be used to launch the NCRG's new initiative aimed at approaching disordered gambling as a public health issue and bringing together operators, manufacturers, government regulators, academics, treatment providers, public health officials, public policy officials and consumers to work toward improving prevention and treatment methods.
Funding commitments from 11 companies have already netted more than $1 million for the new effort. Harrah's Entertainment, International Game Technology (IGT), Mandalay Resort Group, MGM MIRAGE and Park Place Entertainment each pledged $200,000 per year for the next five years; Argosy Gaming Company, Boyd Gaming Corporation and Isle of Capri Casinos each pledged $100,000 per year for the next five years; Aztar Corporation and Station Casinos each pledged $50,000 per year for the next five years; WMS Gaming pledged $40,000 per year for the next five years; The Palms Casino Resort pledged $10,000 each year for the next five years; and the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino pledged $7,500 each year for the next five years.
"Since the creation of the NCRG in 1996, the organization has done much to advance the field of disordered gambling research," said NCRG Chairman Dennis Eckart. "Most importantly, we have made significant progress toward the understanding of gambling disorders, and the field is more robust and respected than ever. The generous support of some of the world's leading gaming companies have made these past accomplishments possible, and these recent contributions, from both new and old supporters of the NCRG, will lead us into the future. Disordered gambling is an issue that affects us all, and we look forward to playing a role in continued progress on the issue."
In addition to the new funding commitments, three fund-raising events from the past year generated sizeable contributions for the NCRG. This spring, two charity golf tournaments were held in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. JCM Corporation and the American Gaming Association (AGA) sponsored the tournaments, with Cooper Levenson April Niedelman and Wagenheim serving as a co-sponsor for the Atlantic City event. Together, the tournaments yielded $75,000 for the NCRG.
The NCRG also raised $225,000 at the 15th annual Gaming Hall of Fame Charity Dinner and Induction Ceremony held in July as part of the grand opening festivities at the new Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City.
