ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. - The 15th annual Gaming Hall of Fame Charity Dinner and Induction Ceremony will help honor the 25th anniversary of gaming in Atlantic City by holding its gala event July 26, 2003, at the new Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City.

The event, traditionally held in Las Vegas, will for the first time move its location to the East Coast as part of this summer’s grand opening of the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, the latest project of Boyd Gaming Corporation and MGM Mirage, and the first new hotel casino to open in Atlantic City in 13 years. 

The Hall of Fame ceremony, organized by the American Gaming Association (AGA), will honor industry and entertainment leaders who have played a significant role in the development of the industry, including contributions to Atlantic City.

“This year’s Hall of Fame ceremony underscores the very reason we honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the gaming industry,” said Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr., AGA president and CEO. “Atlantic City would not be what it is today without the involvement of certain individuals who had a vision for the future of this community. This year’s Hall of Fame will celebrate the past and the future of Atlantic City and honor those leaders who were part of this endeavor.” 

The 2003 Gaming Hall of Fame Charity Dinner and Induction Ceremony will bestow honors to two individuals who have made significant contributions to the gaming-entertainment industry. Additionally, a special achievement award will be given to recognize notable responsible gaming initiatives. 

As many as 800 people are expected to attend the 2003 Hall of Fame event in Atlantic City, which would be a record number of attendees. The evening of dining and entertainment will be the culmination of a daylong event at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, which will include property tours and other special activities.

“We’re thrilled to be hosting the prestigious Hall of Fame dinner as part of Borgata’s grand opening celebrations,” said Bill Boyd, chairman and CEO of Boyd Gaming Corporation. “This year’s event holds special meaning for us, as it pays tribute to those people who a quarter of a century ago helped make Atlantic City what it is today. Borgata is under construction today in part as a result of their efforts. It seems perfectly fitting to say ‘thank you’ during our property’s inaugural festivities.”     

The Gaming Hall of Fame is the highest honor accorded on behalf of the gaming-entertainment industry. Each year, two or more individuals who have distinguished themselves through significant contributions to the industry receive this honor. In 2000, a new awards category was added to recognize special industry achievements in responsible gaming. More than 50 people have been inducted into the Gaming Hall of Fame since its inception in 1989.

As in past years, all proceeds from the event will benefit the National Center for Responsible Gaming (NCRG). The NCRG was established in 1996 as the first national organization devoted exclusively to funding independent scientific research into disordered gambling. Previous years’ events have raised close to $200,000 to benefit the organization. 

The 2003 Hall of Fame inductees will be announced this May during the Mid Atlantic Gaming Congress in Atlantic City.

For more information about the 2003 Gaming Hall of Fame Charity Dinner and Induction Ceremony, call the AGA at 202-637-6500; to purchase tickets online, visit the NCRG’s Web site at www.ncrg.org [2].