Responsible Gaming Center Names Executive Director, Announces $3 Million Commitment Over Next Three Years

Kansas City, MO - The National Center for Responsible Gaming today announced that it has received firm commitments of $3.11 million to fund its activities over the next three years and has selected an executive director.

The $3.11 million includes over $2.6 million in new contributions and is part of a long-term commitment made by Boyd Gaming Corporation and Station Casinos, Inc. When the Center was created last year, Boyd Gaming and Station Casinos committed a total of $1.8 million for 10 years. (The new funds bring the total commitments to $4.41 million over a 10 year period.)

Contributions of $100,000 for each of the next three years will be made by: Hilton Hotels Corporation; Grand Casinos, Inc.; International Game Technology; Circus Circus Enterprises, Inc.; Caesars World, Inc.; and Mirage Resorts, Inc. Other organizations making significant contributions include: Aztar Corporation; Empress Casino Joliet Corporation; Empress Casino Hammond Corporation; ShuffleMaster Gaming; Casino Data Systems; Boomtown, Inc.; Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc.; Hollywood Casino Corporation; Rio Suites Hotel & Casino; and The Lincy Foundation.

“Because of these considerable pledges from the gaming industry, The National Center for Responsible Gaming will reach new heights in its examination of the causes and solutions to problem and underage gambling,” said Frank Fahrenkopf, Jr., president and CEO of the American Gaming Association (AGA). “This money symbolizes ‘work in progress’ for the gaming industry and reaffirms that our goals for widespread responsible gaming are within reach.”

The Center also announced Christine Reilly as its new executive director. She brings more than 20 years of professional experience, including having served as executive director for two non-profit organizations.

Reilly’s professional experience includes a variety of roles, including: executive director for the Missouri Humanities Council and most recently for CINE Golden Eagle Film & Video; associate director for the Alabama Humanities Foundation; and director of Continuing Studies at Vanderbilt University Divinity School.

“Christine Reilly’s experience in managing non-profit organizations and her long career working with professionals in a variety of disciplines makes her the perfect compliment to our board and the Center’s advisory board,” said Major General Paul A. Harvey, USAF (Ret.), chairman of the Center’s board and executive director of the Mississippi Gaming Commission. “We were looking for someone who could work with the research advisory board and see that their decisions were implemented. Christine is that person.”

Established in February 1996 by the AGA, the Center is the first nationwide, consolidated clearinghouse to promote research and collect information on problem and underage gambling. With a prestigious 20-member board of directors, the Center was formed to fund research; create prevention, intervention and treatment strategies; act as a national clearinghouse for research findings; and provide assistance to state and local governments to encourage responsible gaming practices.

The American Gaming Association represents the gaming-entertainment industry by addressing regulatory, legislative and educational issues. The AGA serves as a clearinghouse for information; develops aggressive educational and advocacy programs and provides leadership in addressing industry issues that are of public concern.