The Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers and Gaming Laboratories International have strengthened their charitable initiatives through a $200,000 donation to the Dr Robert Hunter International Problem Gambling Center.
Done through their joint Lasting Impact Philanthropic Initiative, first unveiled earlier this year, the first gift from which went to to the Howard R Hughes College of Engineering building fund at the University of Nevada with a $500,000 contribution.
Stephanie Goodman, executive director of the Dr Robert Hunter International Problem Gaming Center, said of the donation: “We are so grateful for the incredibly generous donation that AGEM and GLI have pledged to our centre.
“The unprecedented transformation of our clients during our six-week Intensive Outpatient Program developed by Dr Rob Hunter, speaks volumes to the effectiveness of a program that combines group therapy with cognitive-behavioural therapy and science.
“Because of this generous gift from our industry partners, AGEM and GLI, this money will have a direct impact on problem gamblers in our community. Problem gambling, officially termed as a gambling disorder in the DSM-5, is recognised as an addictive disorder, alongside alcohol and drug use disorder.
“PGC is working to educate our community in an effort to remove the stigma associated with this disease while at the same time, healing the clients who commit to our program.”
The gift, committed over the next two years, has been made to highlight the importance of Responsible Gaming Education Week 2019, taking place this week.
Organised by the American Gaming Association, it marks a national push for responsible gaming education, training and awareness that includes participation from many industry stakeholders.
Lori Sayde, GLI spokesperson, commented on the joint initiative: “AGEM and GLI, through the Lasting Impact Philanthropic Initiative, support the Problem Gambling Center because its multi-pronged approach to helping individuals through evaluation, treatment and counselling, regardless of their ability to pay, is an essential service.
“We are also pleased to make this contribution as Responsible Gaming Education Week kicks off, and to join forces with the countless operators, suppliers, regulators, and organisations that are united in the fight against problem gambling and who are committed to supporting programs that help individuals affected by this disorder.”
