JCM/AGA Golf Classic Raises $100,000 for Gambling Research

WASHINGTON – The 10^th annual JCM/AGA Golf Classic, a gaming industry fundraising event, raised a record $100,000 for the National Center for Responsible Gaming (NCRG) to help fund problem and youth gambling research and responsible gaming education programs. Since its debut 10 years ago, the event has raised $647,000 for the NCRG.

The tournament, held last month at Reese Jones-designed Cascata in Boulder City, Nev., was jointly sponsored by JCM Global and the American Gaming Association (AGA).

“The tournament’s growth every year and this year’s new fundraising record are a testament to the value that members of our industry place on responsible gaming,” said Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr., president and CEO of the AGA. “For the past 10 years, we have been honored to partner with JCM Global on this event, and their continued commitment has proven them to be an industry leader in fundraising for the NCRG.”

A capacity field of 128 golfers, including top executives from the industry’s leading operators, manufacturers and compliance testing facilities, enjoyed not only a fantastic day of golf on one of the most exclusive golf courses in Las Vegas, but also a swing exhibition by legendary golf coach Butch Harmon. The PDS Gaming foursome of Rick Laman, Rick Ingrassia, Pat Rooney, and Barry Moore tied with the Bally Technologies foursome of Steve Laman, Dan Savage, Joe Kaszupski, and Dave Lucchase for the lowest gross score.  The tiebreaker, lowest net score, gave the team from Bally Technologies the win.

“Every year, this tournament gives our company a chance to help raise money for an organization that is tackling head-on the very important issue of problem gambling,” said Aki Isoi, president of JCM Global.  “We are proud of our contribution to the NCRG and look forward to many more years of the tournament, with even greater success.”

Next year, the 11^th Annual JCM/AGA Golf Classic will return to Cascata on April 27, 2009.