AGA Launches Online Resource Guide to Promote Diversity Within the Gaming Industry

WASHINGTON—Industry best practices, including casino programs and partnerships, state licensing requirements, and regulations for hiring and procurement are among the many resources available in the new Gaming Industry Online Diversity Resource Guide launched today by the American Gaming Association (AGA).

The Gaming Industry Online Diversity Resource Guide, developed by the AGA’s Diversity Task Force, provides a host of resources for disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs) and minority- (MBEs) and women-owned business enterprises (WBEs) that want to do business with gaming companies; minorities and women interested in careers in the gaming industry; and gaming companies that want to develop or broaden their existing corporate diversity initiatives. The resource guide, located on the AGA Web site at www.americangaming.org in a section dedicated to diversity, is divided into three sections targeting these groups and offers specific information and best practices designed to heighten diversity industrywide.

“One part of the Diversity Task Force’s mission focuses on sharing best practices within the industry, and we are making substantial inroads to fulfill this goal with the creation of this resource guide,” said Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr., president and CEO of the American Gaming Association. “By also providing a place for MBEs, DBEs and WBEs as well as potential employees to access resources and opportunities within the gaming industry, we’ve gone a step further, expanding the scope of the task force’s mission.”

The most extensive portion of the resource guide offers a clearinghouse of best practices that are currently in place at AGA member companies. These best practices include diversity mission statements, organizational structures of corporate diversity departments, collaborations between gaming companies and diversity-focused organizations and institutions, and diversity publications. A section devoted to gaming programs offers a wide range of corporate- and property-based diversity programs for hiring, procurement and training, among other areas. AGA member companies contributing to the project include Argosy’s Alton Belle Casino, Argosy Casino Baton Rouge, Aristocrat Technologies, Caesars Entertainment, Empress Casino, Harrah’s Entertainment, MGM MIRAGE and Station Casinos.

“One purpose of the resource guide is to provide the industry with a roadmap for developing successful diversity programs,” Fahrenkopf said. “By sharing this information, it is our intention for both members and nonmember companies to adopt some of these best practices and create their own plans for promoting diversity. What’s in the guide now is only the beginning.”

Beyond best practices, the resource guide provides MBEs, DBEs and WBEs with essential information for doing business with gaming companies. A business development calendar lists upcoming industry job fairs and other opportunities to develop business relationships with gaming operators and equipment manufacturers. Additional sections introduce suppliers and vendors to the gaming licensing process as well as provide an overview of gaming regulations that deal with diversity in purchasing for the 11 commercial casino states.

Critical information about licensing requirements and regulations also is included in the guide as a resource for individuals interested in careers in the industry. Potential employees also will find in this section a list of company programs that promote advancement and recruitment for women and minorities, among other human resources efforts.

The AGA will update the online resource guide periodically as new information is available and is in the process of developing a commodities section, which will include a database of products and services purchased by gaming companies.

The AGA represents the commercial casino-entertainment industry by addressing federal legislative and regulatory issues. The association also serves as a clearinghouse for information, develops educational and advocacy programs, and provides leadership on industry-related issues of public concern.