Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Commitment to Responsible Gambling
The Seminole Tribe of Florida recognizes that compulsive gambling is a serious problem and works to increase public awareness about such addiction. The impact of problem gambling goes permeates both the family and the workplace. The Seminole Tribe of Florida firmly believes we must play a responsible role and stand up as community advocates.
At all our casinos, Seminole Gaming provides responsible gambling efforts including front and back-of-house signage so that employees always know where to refer guests requesting assistance. We also provide responsible gambling information in all external advertising, as well as including the help line phone number on all internal advertising, Player’s Club cards, and hotel directories. These efforts serve to provide our guests a way to obtain confidential information and assistance. Guests are also provided information on voluntary self-exclusion.
The Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling (FCCG)
The Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling (FCCG) is committed to increasing public awareness about problem and compulsive gambling. The FCCG provides services and support to Florida residents in need of assistance. The organization is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and is one of more than 35 affiliates of the National Council on Problem Gambling. The president of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Tampa, John Fontana, sits on the board of the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling (FCCG).
Seminole Gaming is the only casino company that voluntarily contributes to the FCCG. In 2008 alone, Seminole Gaming donated $300,000 to help fund programs FCCG has implemented to help provide services and support to those adversely affected by gambling. Among increasing public awareness on the issue, FCCG joins affiliate organizations nationwide to participate in Problem Gambling Awareness Week. Among the FCCG’s many duties include:
• Operating a statewide 24-hour Problem Gambling Help Line (1.888.ADMIT.IT)
• Provide referrals for counseling/self-help/legal/financial supports
• Develop and conduct prevention/education/outreach programs
• Train health care professionals to assess/treat
• Sponsor/conduct gambling addiction research
Self-Exclusion
The Self-Exclusion program was established to allow people with a gambling problem to voluntarily exclude themselves from casino gaming activities in all Seminole Gaming casinos.
How Do I get placed on the Self-Exclusion list?
You may obtain an application form and information on the Self-Exclusion program by requesting an application from the Security Podium located on any of our casino floors.
You will be required to provide identification that includes your signature and either a photograph or physical description of yourself. When you file the form you will be photographed.
That photo and other identifying information will be distributed to the casinos.
What will happen if I go to a casino and try to gamble?
After you are placed on the self-exclusion list, casino personnel will refuse to accept your wagers or ask you to leave the gaming area. If you do gamble, you would be unable to collect
any winnings or recover any losses. Once you are placed into the program, you will not be able to receive complimentary goods or services, credit or check cashing privileges or offered any
other amenities by the casino.
How long will I be on the Self-Exclusion List?
That’s up to you. When you request self-exclusion, you will choose whether you want to be excluded for a minimum of one year, five years or for life. If you sign up for life, you cannot be removed from the list. If you choose the one-year or five-year option, you must remain on the list for at least that length of time. After that time expires, you may ask to be removed by writing a letter to the Seminole Tribal Gaming Commission.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please call 1.888.ADMIT.IT.
Underage Gambling
We employ an industry-wide program that encompasses employee training and public awareness about underage gambling. Seminole Gaming is committed to keeping minors off the casino floor. Efforts include front and back-of-house signage. Employees are educated on how to identify minors. All Seminole Gaming employees are empowered to card guests that appear under the age of 30. We also provide security with identification verification systems where IDs can be easily swiped and read for authenticity.
Looking Out for Kids
Another policy that Seminole Gaming has undertaken is unattended children. Our Unattended Children Policy is one that encourages parents not to leave children unattended at any of our casinos, and trains employees on what to do should they encounter an unattended child. Efforts include front and back-of-house signage.
About Seminole Gaming
The Seminole Tribe of Florida operates seven casinos, including the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino complexes in Tampa and Hollywood, Florida, which both received Four Diamond hotel ratings from the American Automobile Association. Seminole Casinos are popular entertainment destinations for Florida residents and visitors from other states and countries; Las Vegas-style slots, poker and table games like blackjack and baccarat attract millions of players every month. The Tribe pioneered Indian gaming with the opening of a high-stakes bingo hall in 1979. Its gaming enterprises now employ more than 10,000 people and annually generate billions in economic activity throughout Florida.
