Gaming Commission approves new regulations to combat problem gambling

Tuesday, Nov. 3, 1998 | 9:22 a.m.

The new rules approved Monday require gambling establishments to post problem gambling hotline telephone numbers and brochures describing where compulsive gamblers can get help.

Casinos and taverns must allow patrons to "self-limit" their access to check-cashing privileges, casino credit and direct-mail promotional materials.

And operators of gambling establishments must offer basic problem gambling awareness training programs for all employees who interact with gamblers.

The new rules come after months of special hearings and largely at the prompting of former Gaming Control Board Chairman Bill Bible.

Widely supported by the industry, the rules have been criticized as window-dressing thrown up just as a federal panel studying the impact of gambling on society is about to visit Las Vegas.

At a commission meeting last week, industry representatives disputed any view of the new regulations as less than serious. Many in the industry started problem gambling awareness programs long before regulators took up the issue, the representatives argued.

Two weeks ago, the Nevada Retail Gaming Association announced its four members would post a toll-free problem gambling hotline number on every machine they operate in the state, and would put problem gambling brochures in all gaming areas.

NRGA members operate 96 to 98 percent of the state's gambling machines on slot routes.

The Nevada Council on Problem Gambling is working with the Nevada Resort Association and several companies to develop a comprehensive training program for employees.

However, gambling regulators have said putting employees through such a comprehensive program is not necessary to meet the intent of the law. Gaming Control Board officials had worried that imposing the training requirement on all operators would hurt smaller establishments with limited training resources.

But the commission on Monday decided the requirement will apply to all operators, no matter how small.

The training and self-limitation provisions of the new rules go into effect March 31. All other provisions go into effect Jan. 1.