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Guinn Chooses Nine for Problem Gambling Panel

LAS VEGAS, Nevada -- Gov. Kenny Guinn on Tuesday named the nine members of the new Advisory Committee on Problem Gambling.

The committee was created during the 2005 Legislature's passage of a Senate bill that set aside a $2.5 million fund to help problem gamblers.

The creation of the committee to study the issue was part of the bill.

"Gaming is the backbone of Nevada's economy," Guinn said.

"I am thankful that the Legislature has taken steps to ensure that Nevadans have access to prevention and treatment programs associated with problem gambling."

In its first year, the fund will take $1 of an existing slot tax charged on every gaming machine in Nevada, increasing to $2 in its second year. The transfer would then end, and the problem-gambling effort would have the $2.5 million funding pool for grants and programs.

The Advisory Committee on Problem Gambling will work within the Department of Human Resources.

The legislation called for the committee to be made up of gaming licensees, educators, veterans organization representatives, people with experience in mental health, and representatives from problem gaming assistance and treatment organizations.

From Las Vegas, Guinn appointed Station Casinos Chief Financial Officer Glenn Christenson, Bellagio Vice President Bill Bingham and Herbst Gaming general counsel Sean Higgins.

Also appointed were Carol O'Hara and Ken Templeton, representing problem gambling organizations, and Rena Nora, representing veterans' organizations.

Also named to the committee were Ray Kendall of Carson City and Denise Quirk of Reno, representing mental health professionals; and University of Nevada, Reno professor William Eadington.

State Sens. Dennis Nolan, Randolph Townsend, Bill Raggio and Valerie Wiener wrote the bill.

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