IGT recognizes that problem gambling is a societal issue that
cannot be ignored. As a leading manufacturer of gaming equipment
for entertainment purposes, IGT believes 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 IGT's
mission to promote responsible gaming to our employees, our
customers and the public at large, and to supporting those agencies
and programs committed to researching, preventing and treating
problem gaming.
Responsible Gaming Education Week, Aug. 1 - 5
IGT is proud to announce its continued support of the American
Gaming Association's (AGA) Responsible Gaming Education Week,
Aug. 1-5. IGT joins with the AGA and casino operators throughout
the U.S. to increase awareness about responsible gaming among
gaming employees, casino customers and the general public.
This year's Responsible Gaming Education Week theme is 'Know the
Odds.' The week-long event will emphasize the importance of knowing
how games work by encouraging players to understand the odds of
winning and to remember to set a budget prior to any gaming
experience. According to the AGA, no matter what casino games
people play, they need to remember that they are games of chance
and the odds always favor the house.
The responsible gaming activities IGT participates in can be
categorized as follows:
Employee Education and Awareness
All IGT employees are informed of the company's responsible
gaming policy and commitment as part of their initial employee
orientation. IGT's "Employee Guide to Responsible Gaming" is a
brochure that provides problem gambling awareness and information
regarding availability of counseling and treatment in the local
community as well as through our company's Employee Assistance
Program (EAP).
As a technology supplier to the lottery, pari-mutuel and gaming
industries, IGT encourages responsible gaming initiatives among its
customers and works to create opportunities for public recognition
of exemplary efforts. IGT provides resources for customers'
responsible gaming activities as well.
Responsible Gaming Partnerships
IGT is a major supporter and a member of the two largest
organizations in the United States dedicated to reducing problem
and underage gambling. They are the National Council on Problem
Gambling (NCPG) and the National Center for Responsible Gambling
(NCRG). Additionally, IGT and its subsidiaries support and
participate in the activities of many regional organizations with a
responsible gaming-related mandate.
Financial Support
Funding for problem gambling awareness, research and treatment
is a key priority. IGT's research contributions are primarily
directed to the National Center for Responsible Gaming and the
Institute for Research on Pathological Gambling and Related
Disorders at Harvard University. We work closely with the National
Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and their thirty-four state
affiliates to promote awareness and expand education. In addition
IGT provides funding for the nationwide problem gambling "Helpline"
through the NCPG.
Promote Awareness to Public Policy Makers
IGT is an advocate for the recognition of problem gambling in
the creation of public policy and contributes to the development of
gaming policies that appropriately address this issue.
Active Participation
IGT encourages employees to volunteer their time and support to
help in the prevention and treatment of problem and underage
gambling in their communities. IGT senior executives serve on the
Boards of the National Council on Problem Gambling and the National
Center for Responsible Gaming.