Becoming Fluent in Responsible Gaming

By Brian Lehman, Communications Manager, American Gaming Association

It’s quite easy to recognize that diversity is one of our industry’s greatest strengths. Walk into any casino around the country and you’ll quickly appreciate that from employees to patrons, the gaming community is truly a multicultural one.

Another feature of our industry that spans all types of customers, regions, and companies is a dedication to responsible gaming.

With this in mind, we at the American Gaming Associated (AGA) have tabbed this year’s Responsible Gaming Education Week (RGEW) with the theme: “How Do You Say Responsible Gaming?” The week of Aug. 5-9 marks the 16th annual RGEW, and it’s a chance for casinos across the country to spread the message that no matter what language employees and customers speak, it’s important that they all speak responsible gaming. Materials that reflect the theme, along with the AGA’s responsible gaming brochures in English, Spanish, French, Vietnamese, Chinese and Korean, can be purchased in time for RGEW if you order before July 8.

                              

One way we’ll illustrate this theme is by asking member companies to film their employees delivering key responsible gaming messages in their native languages during RGEW. The AGA will create a compilation video of these messages, which we’ll make available on our YouTube channel and through social media.

Throughout RGEW, our hope is that gaming employees and the public keep it fun. And that becomes a whole lot easier when we educate each other and speak a language that’s truly universal: responsible gaming. 

AGA Communications Awards

Listen to Brian Lehman, Communications Manager, American Gaming Association, speak about this year's AGA Communications Awards. Awards will be given in 15 different categories and the deadline for entry is July 1. For more information go to www.americangaming.org. 

What is a Gambling Disorder?

By Amy Kugler, Director of Communications and Outreach, National Center for Responsible Gaming

Did you know that approximately 1 percent of the U.S. adult population has been diagnosed with a gambling disorder at some point in their lifetime?

Also, research shows that between 2 to 7 percent of youth develop a gambling problem. These facts and more are highlighted in the latest video from the National Center for Responsible Gaming (NCRG), titled “What is a Gambling Disorder?” This video was designed so that everyone can understand the latest science-based information about gambling disorders, including whom and how many people the addiction impacts and resources available for help.

Please watch and share this two-minute video that answers key questions on this issue with up-to-date research. This is the first video from the NCRG’s latest education initiative, and we’ll bring you more videos as they’re available

Honoring Gaming’s Top Communicators

By Brian Lehman, communications manager, American Gaming Association

When I sit back and think about all the different ways that I consume information – television, drive time radio, the Internet and social media, just to name a few – I realize that one of the common threads among them all is the ubiquitous nature of marketing and advertising. It is no wonder because the competition for a consumer’s attention (and dollars) is fierce, especially when it comes to entertainment spending.

It is in this highly-competitive world of entertainment marketing that gaming industry communicators find themselves, and it is in this environment where they thrive. They are able to cut through the clutter to present their products, properties and experiences in a way that sticks with consumers, gets them in the door and keeps them coming back.

It is too often that the men and women who achieve this feat are overlooked. That is why the AGA’s annual Communications Awards are one of my favorite AGA programs. It gives us the opportunity to honor the truly excellent marketing, advertising, corporate communications and public affairs efforts produced by gaming industry professionals during the past year.

Awards will be given in 15 categories covering a wide variety of marketing and communications media, such as direct mail, television, print, outdoor and radio advertising, communications campaigns, annual reports, social media and digital and mobile marketing. The deadline for entering is July 1, so download the Call for Entries and get started on your submissions today.

Companies involved in the casino, lottery or pari-mutel industries, including operators, equipment manufacturers, suppliers and vendors, tribal/government agencies, and associations, are eligible to submit entries.  Winners in each category will be honored with the Gaming Voice award at an industrywide awards ceremony at Global Gaming Expo on September 25 in Las Vegas. For more information on the AGA Communications Awards, contact Brian Lehman.

Don’t miss your chance to be honored as the cream of the gaming communications crop with this year’s Communications Awards!