When Good Deeds

Equal Good Business

An AGEM Presentation on Responsible
Gaming
 Association of Gaming
Equipment 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.

2
What is Problem Gambling
(PG)?
Who is affected?
PGis when a person bets more than
they can afford to lose on a regular
basis.

PGaffects approximately 2-3% of

adults in most gaming jurisdictions

3
Perspectives on Social Responsibility
and Gaming

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

4
Responsible Gaming The Gaming
Industrys 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

5
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.
6
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
7
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

8
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
9
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

10
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

11
AGEM Policy on RG Machine
Modifications:

Asthe 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.

12
Words Of Wisdom

Gambling addiction doesnt

come in machines any more
than alcoholism comes in
bottles. It comes in people.
Reese Middleton, Executive Director,
Louisiana Association on Compulsive
Gambling
13
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
14
Is There A Better Solution?

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

15
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 16
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

17