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When Good DeedsEqual Good BusinessAn AGEM
Presentation on Responsible Gaming
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Association of GamingEquipment Manufacturers
(AGEM)

• 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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What is Problem Gambling (PG)?Who is affected?

• PG is when a person bets more than they can
  afford to lose on a regular basis.
• PG affects approximately 2-3 of adults in most
  gaming jurisdictions

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Perspectives on Social Responsibilityand Gaming

• Consumer
• Problem gambling treatment and research
  communities
• Government
• Gaming industry
• Anti-gaming groups

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Responsible Gaming The GamingIndustrys
Response to Problem Gambling

• 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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The Commitment From AGEM

• 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 AGEMs
  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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AGEM RG Program Elements

• 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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Policy Considerations for Governments

• 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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Essential Elements of Responsible Gaming Framework

• 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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Some Harm Minimization Strategies

• 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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Some Harm Minimization Strategies

• 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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AGEM Policy on RG Machine Modifications

• As the trade-group representative for technology
  providers in the gaming industry, AGEM does not
  endorse or discourage the use of RG machine
  modifications. AGEM-member companies incorporate
  these features only at the request of their
  customers.

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Gambling addiction doesnt come in machines any
more than alcoholism comes in bottles. It comes
in people.
Words Of Wisdom

• Reese Middleton, Executive Director, Louisiana
  Association on Compulsive Gambling

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Noble Intentions,Unintended Consequences?

• 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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Is There A Better Solution?

• One ConsiderationTHE 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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A Measured Approach

• 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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Challenges

• 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