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Harrah's Honored for Support of Problem Gambling Counseling Program

LAS VEGAS -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- In 2004, a grant from Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: HET) helped the University of Nevada, Las Vegas launch a formal training program for problem gambling counselors - the first time an American university had offered such a regimen.

Earlier this month, the BEST Coalition for a Safe and Drug-Free Nevada honored Harrah's for its assistance in helping make UNLV's ground-breaking program a reality. Harrah's was one of seven recipients of this year's "Best of the BEST Awards," presented to Nevada organizations and individuals in recognition of their efforts in building a safe, drug-free Nevada.

Over the last two years, Harrah's has provided a total of $30,000 in grant money to UNLV's Department of Marriage, Family and Community Counseling to fund the Harrah's Graduate Assistantship in Problem Gambling. The grant goes to a graduate student in the department who is training to become a state-certified problem gambling counselor. The student also assists the university in developing and strengthening its problem gambling curriculum.

"Harrah's support and recognition of the importance and value of UNLV's international reputation in training addiction professionals specializing in problem gambling counseling is another example of its leadership in promoting responsible gaming," said Dr. Larry Ashley, addictions specialist in the UNLV Counseling Department and member of the BEST Coalition Board of Directors. "I look forward to a long and very productive relationship with Harrah's that will only lead to more collaboration opportunities in the future."

Harrah's -- long been recognized as the gaming industry's leader in promoting responsible gaming -- started with its launch of a task force to study problem gambling issues in the 1980s. Since then the company has introduced a number of ground-breaking responsible gaming initiatives, including:

-The creation of a nationwide helpline for problem gamblers;

-The adoption of the industry's strictest Advertising and Marketing Code;

-The introduction of responsible gaming training for all Harrah's employees;

-The creation of procedures that allow problem gamblers to voluntarily exclude themselves from all Harrah's-operated casinos; and,

-The launch of a broadcast advertising campaign promoting responsible gaming.

"In the fight against problem gambling, education and awareness are only part of the battle," said Jan Jones, senior vice president of communications and government relations for Harrah's Entertainment. "Many of those struggling with this disorder need access to trained counselors. We hope UNLV's program will serve as a model for similar efforts around the country, expanding the resources available to problem gamblers who want to begin the process of recovery."

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