VERONA, NY -- Turning Stone Casino and the New York Council on
Problem Gambling announced today agreement to enter into a contract to
educate the staff and guests of Turning Stone Casino regarding problem
and compulsive gambling issues. The Council will serve as "education
consultant" to the casino.
As the education consultant, the Council on Problem Gambling will
serve in an advisory role to Turning Stone's management team. The
Council will be involved in planning and developing educational programs
for casino staff and clientele on problem and compulsive gambling.
This is such a positive thing, said Tom O'Donnell, chief
operating officer. We recognize our community responsibility and we
decided to become actively involved. In some jurisdictions casinos are
mandated to participate in such programs, whereas this is voluntary. We
searched for more than two years to find the right organization to work
with and we're pleased to have reached this agreement with the Council.
As part of the one year agreement, the New York Council on
Problem Gambling, in cooperation with the Turning Stone Casino
management, will consult on, and coordinate with, the casino on
educational forums, informational packets, presenters on problem
gambling topics, and language for public display and distribution of
information on problem gambling.
Education sessions conducted by the council for casino staff will
provide a comprehensive review and definition of problem gambling and
general information on self-help and professional treatment alternatives
available through the organization.
"The vast majority of Turning Stone guests enjoy casino play
without experiencing any difficulty," said Frank Riolo, executive vice
president of gaming operations. "Although the percentage of problem
gamblers is extremely low relative to the entire customer base, Turning
Stone management nonetheless is sensitive to, and concerned with,
providing appropriate education about this issue.
Laura M. Letson, Executive Director of the Council, said she is
pleased with the casino's efforts to educate the public. She said that
while it is true that the majority of gamblers do not experience
difficulties, problem gambling adversely affects the lives of many New
Yorkers and their families. The Council applauds Turning Stone for its
initiative in implementing an awareness program for casino employees and
customers, said Letson. Turning Stone's program will serve as an
important vehicle to persons in need of help, and we are proud to be part
of the process.
For further comment from the Council, contact Laura M. Letson at
518-427-1622.
For more information contact Ken Zeszutko, Oneida Nation media
coordinator, c/o Turning Stone Casino, (315) 361-7896 or visit the Nation's
Web Site at http://one-web.org/oneida/
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Daniel Umstead The Oneida Indian Nation
Internet Coordinator "A Sovereign Nation
Oneida Indian Nation in
http://one-web.org/oneida/ Cyber-space!"
315-361-6300 http://one-web.org/oneida/
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