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Casinos Pledge to Follow AGA Rules

ATLANTIC CITY – As reported by the Press of Atlantic City: "The gaming industry confronted its Achilles' heel with a compulsive-gambling code of conduct that commits casinos to ban gamblers who ask to be excluded, prevent visibly drunk gamblers from playing, and explain the odds of winning at any game.

"Park Place Entertainment took the issue a step further, empowering its casinos to ban distressed gamblers for life even if they don't ask for exclusion.

"The coordinated announcements Tuesday from casino giant Park Place and the American Gaming Association are designed to promote level-headed gambling, enhance the industry's image and, to a lesser degree, thwart potential lawsuits, industry officials said.

"…The AGA, which represents almost every major casino company, released the 21/2-page 'Code of Conduct for Responsible Gaming' at the National Center for Responsible Gaming Conference on Gambling and Addiction in Las Vegas.

"…AGA Chairman Phil Satre, who is chairman of Harrah's Entertainment, said there are no penalties for noncompliance. He said he expects few problems, noting that the 17-member AGA board voted unanimously to adopt the code.

"Satre characterized the code not as a breakthrough, but as a unifying document that combines the policies and best practices already employed by many companies.

"…Paul O'Gara, president of the International Association of Gaming Attorneys, said he does not believe the industry is susceptible to class-action lawsuits. The new AGA code is a matter of casinos being responsible, he said…"

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