Governor Arnold completed negotiations for compacts this week with two Indian tribes in the state to contruct new casinos. This is not all that newsworthy as far as this blog goes, except that it shows there is still a strong desire to expand legalized gambling in the state.
But the good news part of the story is that little by little the aspect of gambling addiction is being addressed in these compacts.
Requirements of the compacts include a provision to provide the local governmental entities with funding to mitigate local impacts of the casinos, including gambling addiction.
But the tribes this time seem to be taking a more concerted effort BEYOND what is required of them. A welcome change. The new casinos will include a an extensive problem gambling program that includes the following: signage at all public entrances, ATM's, and exits bearing a toll-free help-line for assistance for gambling problems; exclusion programs that deny access and credit for patrons who exhibit signs of problem gambling; prevention of underage individuals from loitering in any areas where there is gambling; responsible gaming messages in advertising which will make no misleading claims; and the adoption of a code of conduct derived from that of the American Gaming Association that addresses responsible gambling and responsible advertising.
Good for them.
Read the entire article here from the Bakersfieldonline website.
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