Funds donated for research

Monday, Oct. 20, 2003 | 11:15 a.m.

Recent commitments from several major gaming companies, along with proceeds from three charity events this year, have raised more than $6 million for the National Center for Responsible Gaming.

The center was formed in 1996 by the American Gaming Association, the industry's federal lobbying arm, to raise money for research on pathological gambling.

Harrah's Entertainment Inc., International Game Technology, MGM MIRAGE and Park Place Entertainment Corp. each pledged $1 million over the next five years. Argosy Gaming Co., Boyd Gaming Corp. and Isle of Capri Casinos Inc. each pledged $500,000 over the next five years. Aztar Corp. and Station Casinos Inc. each pledged $200,000 over the same period. The Palms casino in Las Vegas pledged $50,000 over the next five years and the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas pledged $37,500.

Two charity golf tournaments in spring yielded $75,000 for the NCRG and a separate Gaming Hall of Fame dinner in Atlantic City raised $225,000 for problem gambling research.

"We have made significant progress toward the understanding of gambling disorders, and this field of research is more robust and respected than ever," NCRG Chairman Dennis Eckart said in a statement.

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