Casino Player July 2022

EDITOR’S LETTER >>

Betting Responsibly Key takeaways to keep the game fun

C asino gaming is supposed to be fun and playing responsibly is always important. Some recent cases show the extremes of what happens when gambling goes wrong.For example, a woman in the Bronx,NY,was recently convicted for defrauding the Social Security Administration and NewYork City Human Resources Administration. She’d made use of fake names and identities to secure government and Social Security benefits and had been running the ruse since 1960.The 77-year-old Carmen Soto used much of the money to gamble at casinos and now faces five years of probation and also must repay the cash. She apparently received a lesser punishment because of her age. In Ohio,a non-profit group closed after the former executive director allegedly embezzled funds to gamble as well. Sabina Serratos was fired by the group earlier this year and now faces a criminal investigation.The group,known asAdelante,offered social services,support,education and outreach to the Latino community in Northwest Ohio.Adelante officials allege she stole more than $400,000.In February,80-year-old nun Mary Margaret Kreuper was sentenced to a year in federal prison for stealing $800,000 from the LosAngeles–area private school she worked as principal at for 28 years. She used much of those funds to gamble.Also this year, Helen Marie Dahlstrom is accused of embezzling $5.3 million from two construction companies and a homeowners association in Mexico. She also is accused of gambling those funds. Good grief! The vast majority of visitors to casinos are there for some entertainment and to just get away from their daily lives, and most gamblers don’t overdo it. Sadly, however, some players gamble irresponsibly and those heading to a casino should always keep some key concepts in mind. Gaming should be fun and it’s important to budget only funds that you are willing,and can afford, to lose for entertainment purposes.If that means it might be tough making a mortgage payment or funding other monthly necessities, definitely consider an alternative.Also,set a budget for your casino trip and stick to it. Don’t chase jackpots; take breaks during your gaming sessions and don’t hit up the ATM machine when those funds are gone.Responsible gaming is critical for those who enjoy some time at casinos.Don’t overdo it. And if you do find yourself crossing the line, there are resources available to help you.We here at Casino Player take problem gambling seriously and are strong proponents in educating gamblers, not only on how to play games smarter and how to get the most from your casino experience, but to also play

responsibly. If you feel you are at risk, the National Council on Problem Gambling operates the National Problem Gambling Helpline Network.The network is a single national access point to local resources for those seeking help for a gambling problem.The network consists of 28 call centers that provide resources for all 50 states and is available 24/7 and is 100 percent confidential.You can call toll free at 1-800-522-4700 or via an online peer support forum at www.gamtalk.org. On a more positive note, this issue of Casino Player brings readers plenty of fun and excitement.And nothing says fun like a trip to the Jersey Shore during summertime and this issue, we showcase our favorite beach town—Atlantic City, NJ. We’ve got you covered with some of the most exciting events happening at all of the AC properties this summer—from new rooms and amenities to concerts along the Boardwalk, and even someWWE wrestling.The city offers some great opportunities for sand and slots, beach and blackjack, and hopefully some waves and winnings. Also fittingly, as summer starts to warm up, perhaps some gaming outdoors might be a nice idea.This is a growing trend in the industry since the pandemic of 2020.Relaxing in the open air with a favorite slot or table game can make for a great experience. Grab the sunglasses and enjoy.And for those who enjoy some time at the blackjack tables, this issue brings you the complete dos and don’ts when“hitting”the tables.In this article,Frank Scoblete gives you the ingredients to play America’s favorite table game to help you keep your losses as small as possible.Hopefully these concepts help you make a visit to the cage for some nice returns. Slot guru, Frank Legato, discusses the payback conundrum and goes on to say that high returns are good, but enjoying the game is more important. Some players enjoy the contest against the house edge while others enjoy the sheer entertainment of all the dazzling new features on the penny slots.Whatever you play, play to enjoy the experience.We look to make that next visit to the casinos a fun trip—just remember to always play responsibly.

—Sean Chaffin senior editor Casino Player magazine

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