AGA Rallies Gaming Companies Nationwide in Final Countdown to Implementation of New Responsible Gaming Initiative

WASHINGTON—Gaming operators and equipment manufacturers nationwide are promoting the AGA Code of Conduct for Responsible Gaming among their employees and customers this week as part of a campaign surrounding the seventh annual Responsible Gaming Education Week beginning today.

The theme of this year’s industrywide campaign is “The ‘Code’ word is RESPONSIBLE GAMING,” and the campaign serves as the unofficial countdown to implementation of the AGA Code of Conduct, scheduled to become effective Sept. 15. The Responsible Gaming Code of Conduct, which was adopted Sept. 15, 2003, by the AGA board of directors, is a pledge to customers and employees to make responsible gaming an integral part of operations industrywide. The code focuses on all aspects of the gaming industry, from employee assistance and training to alcohol service, research, and advertising and marketing.

“While our member companies already have integrated a number of responsible gaming programs and initiatives into their gaming operations, both the Code of Conduct and Responsible Gaming Education Week provide them with additional opportunities to educate employees and customers about the issue,” said AGA President and CEO Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr. “Coupling these two efforts shows how seriously our industry takes the issue of responsible gaming and emphasizes our member companies’ commitment to fully implement the provisions of the code.”

Throughout the week, gaming employees are wearing buttons, stickers and ribbons displaying this year’s “Code Word” theme. Matching posters and table tents are being displayed throughout gaming areas and where employees congregate to reinforce the message. Gaming companies also are stuffing employees’ paycheck envelopes with buck slips promoting the importance of the code and are making available brochure versions of the Code of Conduct to both employees and customers.

Approximately 80,000 buttons, ribbons and stickers, along with more than 2,300 posters and table tents, 8,300 paycheck stuffers, and more than 53,000 Code of Conduct brochures were distributed to 18 gaming companies, including more than 60 casino properties in 13 states.

AGA member companies participating in this year’s campaign include Ameristar Casinos, Inc.; Argosy Gaming Company; Atronic Americas; Aztar Corporation; Boyd Gaming Corporation; Caesars Entertainment, Inc.; Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc.; International Game Technology (IGT); Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc.; MGM MIRAGE; Penn National Gaming, Inc.; Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc.; President Casinos, Inc.; Shuffle Master, Inc.; and Station Casinos, Inc.

In addition to collateral material, the AGA also has provided companies with a variety of support materials, including quizzes to test employees on their knowledge of the Code of Conduct and responsible gaming as well as a sample newsletter article and a model script for employee training sessions. Other materials developed for the week focus on educating employees and customers about odds and probability.

Responsible Gaming Education Week is part of the Responsible Gaming National Education Campaign, a long-term, comprehensive program launched by the AGA in 1998. For more information on Responsible Gaming Education Week or other AGA programs, visit the AGA Web site.

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.