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Highland Community News

Wednesday, July 18,2007
 

 

San Manuel Certified to Help Problem Gamblers

San Manuel Vice Chairman Vince Duro accepts certification from CCPG Executive Director Bruce Roberts.

The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and California Council on Problem Gambling (CCPG) Friday jointly announced the designation of the San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino as a “Certified Responsible Gambling Establishment.”

Certification conferred by the CCPG follows months of employee training and policy implementation to meet or exceed CCPG criteria for educating, identifying and reaching out to problem gamblers. As a requirement of certification, all casino team members and management underwent extensive training in order to gain an understanding of problem gambling, identify symptomatic behaviors and offer helpline referrals when appropriate.

As part of certification, the casino has taken an aggressive approach to responsible gambling, posting signage and placing brochures in highly visible locations throughout the property and directing patrons to the 24-hour confidential Problem Gambling Helpline: 800-GAMBLER.

“We commend the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, only the second tribal casino to receive this certification in the entire State, as leaders in recognizing and proactively addressing the issue of problem gambling,” said Bruce Roberts, CCPG executive director. “We believe that all horse tracks, card rooms, the California State Lottery, and tribal government gaming facilities should implement similar programs.”

Certification attainment is one part of a comprehensive policy set forth by San Manuel tribal government to address problem gambling as a quality of life issue.

“Historically, Native Americans across the country have been plagued with many social ills on our reservations, many of which are caused by addictions,” stated Vince Duro, San Manuel tribal vice chairman. “Unfortunately, we know all too well, the consequences when addictions are left untreated. And we do not wish this upon anyone. This is among the reasons that we pursued this partnership with the CCPG.”

 

Recognition of the San Manuel Indian Bingo & Casino as a responsible gaming facility is an outgrowth of several years of effort by casino management to increase awareness of problem gambling. Certification assures the public that San Manuel has taken all the steps necessary to mitigate negative consequences that affect a small percentage of the population.

“In order to obtain certification from the CCPG, facilities need to establish and maintain certain criteria such as making problem gambling information available to patrons, baring anyone under 21 years from entering the casino, and establishing a self exclusion policy. Fortunately, San Manuel already had these policies and practices in place.” said Roberts. “Our goal was to enhance existing programs and help create the most complete responsible gambling program possible.”

Copyright © 2007 Highland Community News

 
 
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