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AGA Code of Conduct Focus of Responsible Gaming Week

21 July 2004

During the first week of August, the American Gaming Association will hold its 7th annual Responsible Gaming Education Week. Although the casino industry works every day to educate and assist people regarding problem gambling, creating a week to focus on the issue serves as an excellent way to bring more attention to the issue. The AGA annually sponsors "Responsible Gaming Education Week" in order to encourage gaming industry employees, customers and the public to increase their awareness of responsible gaming and disordered gambling.

"Responsible Gaming Education Week" was started in 1998 by the industry's national trade association, AGA, and is held every year during the first week of August. It is part of AGA's ongoing Responsible Gaming National Education Campaign and represents the industry's long-term commitment to this issue.

This year's campaign will center on the AGA's "Code of Conduct for Responsible Gaming," which includes a complete set of guidelines governing employee and customer education, underage gambling, alcohol service, advertising and research. In my December 24, 2003 Detroit News Gaming Business Column, I provided a detailed overview of the Code of Conduct adopted by the AGA and its members.

Mr. Phil Satre, Chairman of the AGA, noted following the announcement of the AGA's Code of Conduct that, "The final AGA Code of Conduct for Responsible Gaming was developed after many months of preparation and deliberation by a committee of professionals representing several AGA member companies. The AGA code institutionalizes our industry's best practices regarding responsible gaming, detailing a general national program for us to follow."

Provisions of the Code encompass all aspects of member company business, from employee assistance and training to alcohol service, advertising and marketing. The Code also details the commitment of AGA members to continue support for research initiatives and public awareness activities surrounding responsible gaming and underage gambling. Specific provisions include a commitment to train employees with regard to problem gambling and responsible alcohol service, as well as a provision to allow patrons who have a gambling problem to self-exclude themselves from gaming promotions and activities. AGA member companies have until September 15, 2004, to implement the Code's provisions.

One provision of the code requires companies to make available information explaining the probabilities of winning or losing at the various games offered by the casino - information that, in the past, has not been readily accessible to casino customers. To address this challenge, Responsible Gaming Education Week activities will include the debut of a new "house advantage brochure" developed by the AGA and its member companies.

To learn more about the AGA's Responsible Gambling Education Week, I encourage you to visit their website at www.americangaming.org.

David Waddell
David Waddell is an attorney for Regulatory Management Counselors, P.C. (RMC), which assists businesses in navigating the legislative, regulatory and licensing systems governing Michigan’s commercial and tribal casino industries. He is the co-author of The State of Michigan Gaming Law Legal Resource Book and one of the founders of The Michigan Gaming Newsletter.

David Waddell Websites:

www.michigangaming.com
David Waddell
David Waddell is an attorney for Regulatory Management Counselors, P.C. (RMC), which assists businesses in navigating the legislative, regulatory and licensing systems governing Michigan’s commercial and tribal casino industries. He is the co-author of The State of Michigan Gaming Law Legal Resource Book and one of the founders of The Michigan Gaming Newsletter.

David Waddell Websites:

www.michigangaming.com