PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania – (PRESS RELEASE) -- A major new conference will
examine how communities across the country manage the impacts of casino
gambling -- and offer real-world solutions to those communities preparing
for the introduction of casino or racetrack gaming.
Governing the Impacts of Gaming: The National Conference will take
place Sept. 17-18, 2007, at the Annenberg Center at the University of
Pennsylvania. The conference, produced by Spectrum Gaming Group, will
feature experts in local, county and state government; zoning and planning;
traffic and infrastructure; problem-gambling; media relations; and casino
management.
"More than 900 casino-style gaming facilities are spread across the
United States, from metropolitan areas to resorts to Native American
reservations. A gaming facility provides both opportunities and challenges
for the host community, and this conference will explore all such aspects,"
said Michael Pollock, Managing Director of Spectrum Gaming Group, the
conference producer.
Pollock has been studying the impacts of casinos for a quarter century,
and authored the 1987 award-winning book, "Hostage to Fortune: Atlantic
City and Casino Gambling," published by the Center for Analysis of Public
Issues in Princeton, NJ. He was among the pioneers who first studied the
impact of casinos on local communities.
Spectrum Vice President Harvey Perkins adds: "Governing the Impacts of
Gaming will bring a fresh perspective to the myriad issues that arise with
the presence of a gaming facility. We are committed to providing government
officials, civic groups, planners, developers and others with a first-class
forum to discuss the critical issues. Attendees can expect to learn, among
other things, the best practices used by cities and towns that have long
dealt with the presence of a casino or racino."
Governing the Impacts of Gaming will provide attendees with intensive
sessions, as well as valuable networking opportunities through an evening
reception and keynote luncheon.
Sponsors include Drexel University, SOSH Architects, Vibrant
Development, and Cooper Levenson.