WASHINGTON? In conjunction with Responsible Gaming Education Week [2] (RGEW), the American Gaming Association (AGA) today announced the launch of its first-ever television public service announcement (PSA) focused on responsible gaming. The Travel Channel [3] network, which airs the weekly World Poker Tour [4] series and other gaming-related programming, nationally debuted the PSA at the end of July and will continue to run the spots in conjunction with its poker shows. The PSA also is available for viewing [5] on the AGA Web site.

In addition to the Travel Channel placements, individual AGA member companies will facilitate airing the PSA on television stations in casino jurisdictions across the country beginning during RGEW, which is August 1-5, 2005. For example, the PSA will make up 25 percent of Station Casinos’ advertising inventory for the week, and Ameristar Casinos plans to air the PSA on its in-room television system.

“As the gaming-entertainment industry continues to expand, it’s never been more important to promote responsible gaming behavior and emphasize how seriously our industry takes this issue,” said Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr., president and CEO of the AGA. “This PSA reminds people that setting a budget and following other responsible gaming guidelines can help keep gambling fun. Thanks to the involvement of the Travel Channel and our member companies, now this message will reach more people than ever.”

The 30-second PSA features a series of individuals delivering tips on how they gamble responsibly, including messages such as “Gambling’s more fun when I set limits and stick to them,” and “You don’t have to take big risks to have big fun.” The conclusion of the ad features a call to action for viewers to contact the AGA for a free guide to responsible gaming.

The AGA developed the PSA under the guidance of a responsible gaming committee comprised of representatives from AGA member companies and other organizations familiar with the issue of disordered gambling, including Harvard Medical School’s Division on Addictions [6].

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.

The Travel Channel is the only television network devoted exclusively to travel entertainment. Capturing the fascination, freedom and fun of travel, the Travel Channel delivers insightful stories from the world’s most popular destinations and inspiring diversions. It is available in more than 80 million homes and is a service of Discovery Networks, U.S., a unit of Discovery Communications, Inc. Visit the Travel Channel on the Web at www.discovery.com and click on Travel Channel.