Industry open to new rules to fight problem gaming

Nevada's gaming industry got a first look Thursday at a series of proposed gaming control board regulations designed to combat problem gaming.

And judging by its initial reaction, the industry seems open to the new rules.

"We support this regulation," said Bob Faiss, general counsel of the Nevada Resort Association. "We urge its early adoption."

The board has conducted hearings in recent months to study whether gaming companies should be required to do things like post gambling addiction helpline numbers and train employees to spot and deal with problem gamblers. With a federal commission studying the issue, many in the industry believe that if they do not become more proactive, federal regulations will be imposed upon them.

The industry's seeming enthusiastic acceptance Thursday of the proposed regulations might be attributable to an idea discussed at earlier board meetings that was not included in the final proposals: the suggestion that cash machines be prohibited from casino floors. The proposal introduced Thursday makes no mention of cash machine placement.

The gaming control board is proposing that casinos:

"What we tried to do here was to balance ... between not being overly burdensome on the industry and at the same time trying to be responsible about the problem," said Dennis Neilander, the newest board member and author of the proposed regulations.

While the industry itself cannot solve personal problems like gambling addiction, it should take on the responsibility of helping patrons become aware of the issue and where they can get help, said James Butler, chairman of the NRA's responsible gaming taskforce.

"People should take responsibility for their own actions," said Butler. "But they need to know."

"I think this is a positive step for the industry as a whole," said Sean Higgins, president of the Nevada Retail Gaming Association.

The commission will hold another hearing on the proposals at its regular October meeting in Carson City and will likely adopt a final version in November, said Chairman Bill Curran. The new regulations would go into effect Jan. 1.

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