WASHINGTON – The American Gaming Association (AGA) today released an updated Code of Conduct for Responsible Gaming, reflecting the evolution of the gaming entertainment industry during the last decade. Release of the updated Code coincides with the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the Code, a document that has served as the commercial gaming industry’s benchmark for addressing responsible gaming since it was created. 

“We have always viewed the Code of Conduct as a living document – one that should and does adapt along with the industry – and this updated Code will continue to address responsible gaming as it relates to all aspects of our business,” said Frank J. Fahrenkopf, president and CEO of the AGA. “The recognition of the Code’s 10-year anniversary and the release of this update will serve as an opportunity for gaming companies and casino properties to re-educate employees and patrons about our industry’s commitment to responsible gaming.”

In 2003, the Code of Conduct for Responsible Gaming was the first document of its kind, creating a consistent, industrywide approach to responsible gaming across all of the AGA’s member companies. It is a pledge to employees, patrons and the public to promote responsible gaming in every aspect of the casino business—including employee training, the prevention of underage gambling, responsible alcohol service, and responsible marketing and advertising.  Throughout the last decade, the Code has served as a model for the development of comprehensive responsible gaming programs internationally and within other sectors of the U.S. gaming industry.

As with the original document, the updated Code was developed by a task force of legal, regulatory, compliance, communications and marketing professionals representing AGA member companies and was approved by the AGA board of directors in October 2012.

The revisions to the Code acknowledge that the commercial casino industry is now marketing to customers via Internet and email communications and social media platforms, and addresses new technology and how it changes the way gaming companies interact with customers.  It also includes streamlined language to simplify key concepts in the original Code. Because of the specific issues and complexities raised by online gambling, and the fact that it is not yet an established form of legal gambling in the U.S., the updated Code does not include provisions relating to online gambling.

As part of an effort to educate gaming employees about the Code’s changes and re-familiarize them with the Code’s provisions, the AGA has created educational materials for member companies to share with patrons and employees. The AGA also is updating its online Code of Conduct Resource Guide to reflect the changes and is sending updated information on the Code to regulators nationwide.

For more information on the Code of Conduct for Responsible Gaming, or to download a copy of the new brochure, visit the AGA’s website [2].

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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. To follow the AGA on Facebook, visit www.facebook.com/americangaming [3]; for Twitter, go to www.twitter.com/AGAupdate [4].