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Sands® Casino Resort Bethlehem Receives Corporate Social Responsibility Award From The National Council on Problem Gambling
Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania submitted nomination
Bethlehem, PA (June 26, 2009) – During the 23rd National Conference on Problem Gambling in Indianapolis, IN today, Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem was presented with this year’s Corporate Social Responsibility Award from The National Council on Problem Gambling, an advocacy organization based in Washington, DC. Nominated for this distinguished honor by the Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania, Sands Bethlehem was selected for its outstanding commitment to social responsibility as it relates to problem gambling.
“Sands Bethlehem started their responsible gaming initiative long before their doors were even open and the Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania is grateful for their insight and dedication to responsible gaming outreach and education in an effort to lessen gambling problems in Bethlehem and statewide,” lauded Jim Pappas, executive director, Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania.
“This acknowledgement by the National Council on Problem Gambling is truly an honor and confirms that our ‘Play Responsibly’ program is on the right track,” stated Robert J. DeSalvio, president of Sands Bethlehem. “The goal for us at Sands Bethlehem, as well as company-wide, is to ensure a safe atmosphere for responsible adults to enjoy the entertainment value of gaming. When it goes beyond that, we want to make sure that there are trained individuals that can provide proper guidance and care.”
Sands Bethlehem has taken a proactive approach to combating problem gambling by underwriting a series of workshops and seminars for both the professional community and the public. At these events, trainers from the Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania provided valuable information on how to better handle and treat a gambling addiction. Additionally, advanced training sessions allowed clinicians to pursue national certification and to become state approved providers of care for problem gamblers and their families. Over 1,100 people attended a total of 17 days of training. Sands Bethlehem also supported a special training and discussion day for local pastors and the faith-based community.
As part of Sands Bethlehem’s “Play Responsibly” program, all team members undergo training. They are trained to understand some of the warning signs of a problem gambler and where to direct a guest if help is needed. This includes directing guests that ask for help to the materials located throughout the property and a help line they can call for further assistance. Las Vegas Sands Corp., Sands Bethlehem’s parent company, has developed “Play Responsibly,” the industry’s most comprehensive and responsible gaming program, developed in partnership with the Harvard University Medical School, the Cambridge Health Alliance, and several other public health professionals and organizations. Las Vegas Sands Corp. also looks for local resources and partners with organizations in every community in which it operates. Today, Las Vegas Sands Corp. is not only one of the world’s leaders in the hospitality and gaming industry, but through its commitment to the wellbeing of its guests, a community leader as well.