WASHINGTON – As part of an industrywide Casino Charity Challenge, more than 40 American Gaming Association (AGA) member company casino properties and offices of gaming equipment manufacturers are mobilizing to launch a week of local charitable activities aimed at reaching individual volunteerism goals. Nine U.S. gaming companies in 22 commercial-casino jurisdictions have assembled hundreds of their employee-volunteers for a wide range of community service activities during the weeklong event (May 27-June 2).

As part of the Casino Charity Challenge, AGA member companies and casino properties in nine states are participating in a variety of charitable activities, including walk-a-thons, neighborhood and environmental clean-ups, and a book drive. Their volunteerism will benefit local charities in their area, such as the American Cancer Society, Boys & Girls Club, March of Dimes, Meals on Wheels and various local senior services centers.

“The AGA has always been extremely proud of the charitable commitment our industry demonstrates throughout the year, whether it’s through donations of time or money,” said AGA President and CEO Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr. “This week’s activities are truly a culmination of their ongoing dedication to making their communities better places to live.”

Those communities benefiting from casino employee volunteerism will be Black Hawk, Colo.; Alton, Joliet and Metropolis, Ill.; East Chicago and Lawrenceburg, Ind.; Bettendorf, Council Bluffs and Sioux City, Iowa; Baton Rouge, Lake Charles and Shreveport, La.; Lula, Natchez, Tunica and Vicksburg, Miss.; Kansas City, Mo.; Lake Tahoe, Las Vegas, Reno and Rincon, Nev.; and Atlantic City, N.J. Companies participating in the Casino Charity Challenge are Ameristar Casinos, Inc.; Argosy Gaming Company; Aristocrat Technologies, Inc.; Boyd Gaming Corporation; Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc.; International Game Technology; Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc.; MGM MIRAGE; and Station Casinos, Inc.

The Casino Charity Challenge concept centers on a single industrywide week of volunteerism during which AGA member companies from across the country simultaneously sponsor philanthropic projects in their local communities.  This week will serve as the largest mobilization of casino industry employee-volunteers that has ever been attempted, building on all the philanthropic activities in which the industry has participated throughout the past year.

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.