WASHINGTON, D.C.—Veteran network news journalist Sander Vanocur will host a live satellite broadcast and simultaneous Webcast on problem gambling to kick of the American Gaming Association’s third annual Responsible Gaming Education Week (Aug. 7-11, 2000).

Casino employees from across the country, along with public officials, members of state gaming associations and representatives from state problem gambling councils, will be joining together Monday, Aug. 7 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. PT to participate in ‘Responsible Gaming: Keeping It Fun,’ featuring panelists Howard Shaffer of Harvard Medical School Division on Addictions, Carol O’Hare of the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling and industry representative Punam Mathur of MGM MIRAGE. Two states - Missouri and Louisiana - already have confirmed their participation via downlink in multiple locations, and sites in another five states - Illinois, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana and New Jersey - are expected to participate as well.

The program, which will be conducted before a live audience of casino employees at KLVX-TV Channel 10 (PBS) in Las Vegas, will include questions from the on-site audience, as well as via phone and fax from participants viewing the program at downlink sites nationwide. Videotapes of the program also will be sent to more than 125 AGA member company properties across the country for viewing during and after the week.

Responsible Gaming Education Week is held each year by the AGA as part of its ongoing campaign to raise awareness of problem gambling and to stress the importance of educating casino employees about responsible gaming.

‘Our purpose in sponsoring this annual event is to allow the entire gaming industry, along with its suppliers and vendors and other interested parties, the opportunity to focus on the serious issue of problem gambling,’ said Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr., AGA president and CEO.  ‘It is not only necessary to continue educating the public about problem gambling, but it is equally as important to promote the understanding of responsible gaming among casino employees.’

Other events scheduled for Responsible Gaming Education Week include discussion forums with experts on problem gambling on the AGA Web site, as well as activities sponsored at individual casino properties. To help promote the week, the AGA has sent educational materials to hundreds of properties, and additional information is available on its Web site for companies planning activities.

‘While the number of problem gamblers is small, we believe that one person facing a gambling problem is one too many,’ said Fahrenkopf. ‘It’s a sad truth that some people don’t gamble responsibly, and we need to do our best to raise awareness of this problem and help ensure that those people who choose to gamble do so responsibly.’

 ‘Responsible Gaming: Keeping It Fun’ will be available for downlink Monday, Aug. 7 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. PT on the following satellite coordinates: GE 3/ K 18 (Ku band) 12060 Vertical Standard Audio 6.2 or 6.8. The live Webcast will be available on the AGA Web site.

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.