WASHINGTON—The American Gaming Association (AGA) today announced the adoption of the AGA Code of Conduct for Responsible Gaming, which commits AGA members to a comprehensive, industrywide approach to promoting responsible gaming.

The code encompasses all aspects of member-company business, from employee assistance and training to alcohol service, advertising and marketing. It also details the commitment of AGA members to continue support for research initiatives and public awareness activities surrounding responsible gaming and underage gambling.

“The AGA Code of Conduct is the next step in our industry’s ongoing commitment to responsible gaming,” said Phil Satre, chairman of the AGA, at a media briefing today in Las Vegas. “Each of our member companies has, for many years, taken individual steps to address these issues. This code is a pledge to our patrons and our employees that we will make responsible gaming an integral part of our industry’s operations across the United States.”

According to Satre, the code details a general national program to promote responsible gaming but also contemplates that companies can go beyond the scope of its provisions if desired or required by state gaming laws.

Specific provisions of the code include a commitment to train employees with regard to promoting responsible gaming and responsible alcohol service, as well as a provision to allow patrons who have a gambling problem to self-exclude themselves from gaming activities. According to the code, this self-exclusion will also include opportunities for patrons to request to be removed from promotional mailing lists and to revoke privileges for casino services such as casino-issued markers, player club/card privileges and on-site check-cashing. Additionally, the code includes provisions to help prevent underage gambling and unattended minors in casinos.

The AGA is in the process of developing resources to provide members with best practices and materials that will facilitate the implementation process. Member companies have 12 months from the Sept. 15 adoption date for full implementation.

The code is the latest in a long line of efforts by the AGA since its inception in 1995 to promote responsible gaming. In addition to establishing the National Center for Responsible Gaming (NCRG) in 1996 to provide ongoing funding for independent, peer-reviewed research on disordered gambling, the AGA has spearheaded a variety of activities as part of its Responsible Gaming National Education Campaign. Those activities have included Responsible Gaming Education Week, which has been held annually since 1998, as well as a lecture series, a quarterly newsletter, seminars and workshops, and a training program.

“The code builds on what we have learned over the past eight years, as well the collective experience of our member companies,” said Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr., president and chief executive officer of the AGA. “The code goes a necessary step further, cementing our entire industry’s commitment to responsible gaming.”

To view a full copy of the AGA Code of Conduct for Responsible Gaming, log on to the AGA Web site at www.americangaming.org [2]. Copies of the code can be obtained by calling the AGA at 202-637-6500.

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.