However, life has changed over these many years, making it fairly difficult to find those types of environments anymore. The combination of a mobile society, better communication, advanced technology and transportation has created a more diverse population that lives and works side by side. Barriers have been broken in communities and in the global business world.

The American Gaming Association (AGA) held a press conference in August at Caesars Atlantic City to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the National Center for Responsible Gaming (NCRG). It celebrated the NCRG’s many programs to identify, help and prevent compulsive, problem gambling.

AGA President Frank Fahrenkopf Jr., Harrah’s Chairman Gary Loveman and several local dignitaries, including New Jersey Casino Control Commission Chair Linda Kassekert, gave speeches and described many of the successes of the program in the past decade. More about that later in this column.

However, what really caught my eye were the approximately 20 casino workers in attendance from almost all of Atlantic City’s gaming properties. They stood as a group for a photo opportunity. The diversity of this ensemble was stunning, representing the Hispanic, African-American, Korean, Japanese, Chinese and other Asian communities, to name a few.

These minority employees comprise a large percentage of the almost 45,000 employees that work in Atlantic City’s casinos. It appears that the American gaming industry has done a good job of reaching out and recruiting from the many nationalities that make up the melting pot we call the US.

Many gaming companies have created diversity task forces and departments within their human resources divisions. It is the right thing to do, not only because everyone who is qualified should get an equal chance to work, but also because it is good business.

The explosive growth of gaming throughout the world has created competition in the US for customers. American casinos can no longer sit back and rest on their laurels to lure players. Because international patrons are crucial to tourist towns like Las Vegas or Atlantic City, smart gaming organizations have changed their hiring strategies. Their staff has to represent the total package of visitors they hope to attract.

For example, Asian games in designated game areas that serve ethnic foods addresses the importance of welcoming diverse populations who may have language issues. What better way to prove good intentions than to actually employ members of those same ethnic groups?

However, problems can arise regardless of the background of any player. A small percentage will be unable to control their behavior, and will end up risking and losing way more than they can afford.

The NCRG’s 10th anniversary showcases its history of achievement in predicting, assessing and treating pathological gaming compulsions. The funded research of the past decade has established initial reliable data on the number of people – projected to be one percent of the adult population – who are afflicted with a gaming disorder. It has also developed promising treatments and focused on youth gambling while promoting awareness of addictive gambling as a public health issue.

In a recent Philadelphia Inquirer editorial, Phil Satre, NCRG chairman and former Harrah’s chairman and CEO, detailed many of the NCRG’s accomplishments:

Approximately 30 institutions and universities, including Harvard, Yale and Johns Hopkins, have received more than 140 NCRG grants.

NCRG examines practical uses for responsible gaming programs and treatment, and works to promote public awareness.

The casino industry has committed more than $15 million to the NCRG through 2007.

Ironically, the gaming industry is often a mirror of the general public. Its employee demographics, customer base and themes often reflect the society at large, both favorably and unfavorably.

The industry apparently understands two things. First, it recognizes the need to address America’s diverse culture; secondly, the industry is answering a moral obligation to help those who struggle to deal with an abnormal attraction to gambling.

Much more needs to be done but congratulations to the industry on two successes that, for once, have no immediate connection to profits and market share.

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