Transcript SOCIAL PROTECTIONS” and the Technology Provider A Gaming

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AGEM is an international trade association representing
manufacturers and suppliers of electronic gaming devices,
systems, table games, key components and support products and
services for the gaming industry. AGEM works to further the
interests of gaming equipment suppliers throughout the world.
Through political action, trade show partnerships, educational
alliances, information dissemination and good corporate
citizenship, the members of AGEM work together to create
benefits for every company within the organization. Together,
AGEM has assisted regulatory commissions and participated in
the legislative process to solve problems and create a business
environment where AGEM members can prosper while providing a
strong level of support to education and responsible gaming
initiatives. For more information, visit www.AGEM.org.
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PG is when a person bets more than they can
afford to lose on a regular basis.
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PG affects approximately 2-3% of adults in
most gaming jurisdictions
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Consumer
Problem gambling treatment and research
communities
Government
Gaming industry
Anti-gaming groups
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Why is responsible gaming important to AGEM and
its members?
 It is the right thing to do!
 Social / corporate responsibility
 Build bridge between industry and PG research
and treatment groups
 Strengthen relationships with public policy
makers
 Market sustainability
 Enhance public perception
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AGEM recognizes that problem gambling is a societal
issue that cannot be ignored. As the leading trade
organization representing manufacturers of gaming
equipment for entertainment purposes, AGEM feels that
it is incumbent upon all stakeholders in the gaming
industry to take a pro-active approach to problem and
underage gambling. Therefore, it is AGEM’s mission to
promote responsible gaming to all industry employees,
customers and the public at large, as well as to support
those agencies and programs committed to researching,
preventing and treating problem gaming.
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Financial commitment
AGEM and its members have given hundreds of
thousands of dollars over the past decade to a
variety of local, state and national RG organizations
Employee / membership awareness
Customer support
Partnership with the problem gambling
treatment/research communities
Public policy development
Partnership with IGT Director of Responsible
Gaming
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Responsible gaming elements as part of the
framework of any government gaming program
Participation by all stakeholders
Funding for research and treatment
Support creating and operation of problem
gambling advocacy groups
Regulatory mechanisms to address underage
gambling
Child safety policies
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Mandatory signage in all gaming locations listing a
1-800 Help-line number for problem gamblers
Information brochures in gaming locations
Employee education and awareness training for all
gaming venues
Employee assistance programs
Self-exclusion option where appropriate
Responsible Gaming message as part of all gaming
promotions
Credit and check cashing policies to minimize
problem gambling
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Responsible gaming and helpline information
Age restrictions in gaming environments
Check cashing and credit policies
Self-exclusion programs
ATM restrictions
Limits on bets and prizes
Lighting and ergonomic considerations
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Limit hours / speed of play
Responsible gaming information area in
casinos
Intervention on the gaming floor
Advertising restrictions
Removal / restrictions of note acceptors
RG screens on gaming machines
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As the trade-group representative for
technology providers in the gaming industry,
AGEM does not endorse or discourage the
use of RG machine modifications. AGEMmember companies incorporate these
features only at the request of their
customers.
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Reese Middleton, Executive Director,
Louisiana Association on Compulsive
Gambling
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References:
“On the Shoulders of Merton” – American
Behavioral Scientist, July 2004
Authors: Dr. Bo Bernhard, Frederick W.
Preston, UNLV
“Promoting a Culture of Responsibility” June
2004
Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal
(IPART), NSW
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One Consideration:
THE RENO MODEL
“A Science-Based Framework for
Responsible Gambling”
Alex Blaszczynski, PhD, University of Sydney & Westmead
Hospital, Sydney
Robert Ladouceur, PhD, University of Laval, Quebec
Howard J. Shaffer, PhD, Harvard Medical School, Boston
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Conduct baseline PG prevalence study prior to
implementation of new gaming program
Implement basic harm-minimization strategies that
have been proven effective
Fund research on unproven or proposed PG
strategies
Conduct replication PG prevalence study in 3 years
If prevalence rate has increased, implement new
social protections now supported by research
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Reaching consensus among stakeholders on best
approach to providing social protections
Balancing freedom of choice for gaming patrons vs
need to protect the vulnerable (“Duty of care”)
Promoting positive public perception of gaming
industry
Identifying appropriate research to address problem
gambling
Funding for PG research and treatment
Creation of a comprehensive and flexible plan to
address PG
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