Racino Supports Getting Help for Gambling Addicts
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio -- Even before it opens its doors, Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course in Austintown is raising awareness among its employees of people who can’t control their urge to gamble by observing National Responsible Gaming Education Week.
It began Sunday.
The racino -- scheduled to open in September -- is joining with the Ohio Lottery Commission, its sister casino property in Toledo and the Austintown Township trustees in alerting potential patrons to the warning signs of people with gambling problems by training its staff to spot the symptoms and direct those who suspect they’re addicted to gambling to resources that can help them gain control of their lives.
“We take the issue of responsible gaming very seriously at all of our Penn National Gaming facilities every day,” said Mike Galle, general manager of the Austintown racino, in a prepared statement. “Even though we know only a small percentage of patrons may develop a gambling problem, we recognize our responsibility to train our team members and work with the state and with community-based organizations to identify and combat the problem.”
Knowing the signs of addiction to gambling and providing information on recovery resources is part of the training for every Hollywood Gaming employee, Galle noted. The 400 employees being trained to work at the racino will undergo training as part of their preparation to serve patrons.
Township trustees issued a proclamation that states, “Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course has contributed to the economy and quality of life in Austintown through providing job opportunities, as well as supporting public services through the payment of taxes, capital investments, and donating to local charities. …
“The National Center for Responsible Gaming and Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course, with the support of the Austintown trustees, urge citizens to call the Problem Gambling Help Line at 800-589-9966 if problem gambling is suspected with themselves or someone they know.”
Throughout the year, Hollywood Gaming’s marketing materials will include the telephone number of the state’s problem gaming hotline. Information on responsible gaming and resources for help will be available to patrons inside the facility.
The Ohio problem gaming hotline is operated by Ohioans for Responsible Gaming, a cooperative effort among the Ohio Lottery Commission, the Ohio Casino Control Commission, the Ohio Racing Commission and the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services.
SOURCE: Penn National Gaming.
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
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