LAS VEGAS, NV--(Marketwire - Aug 21, 2012) - The gaming industry came together for an incredible cause and smashed previous fundraising records at the 14th annual AGEM/AGA Golf Classic Presented by JCM Global. This year's tournament was themed "The Drive for $1 Million" and raised a single-year record $133,000, pushing organizers well past their stated goal of raising $1 million over the life of the tournament.
Adding extra emphasis to the event's success, AGEM renewed its title sponsorship for another two years.
Sponsored by the AGEM and the AGA, the AGEM/AGA Golf Classic Presented by JCM Global is a fundraiser for the National Center for Responsible Gaming (NCRG), the only national nonprofit organization dedicated to funding research on gambling disorders and increasing awareness about responsible gaming.
"Hitting the $1 million mark is an incredible accomplishment," said Alan Feldman, chairman of the NCRG and senior vice president of public affairs at MGM Resorts International. "The NCRG is grateful for the continued support of AGEM, the AGA, JCM Global and the tournaments players and sponsors. The money raised will help us fund more of the highest quality research and education programs about gambling disorders and responsible gaming than ever before."
"AGEM and our 115-plus member companies from around the world are extremely supportive of this event and the positive impact it has on the gaming industry's overall efforts to build on the important work being done by the NCRG," said AGEM President Thomas A. Jingoli. "This month, the AGEM Board of Directors unanimously agreed to renew AGEM's title sponsorship of the event for another two years. Beyond the substantial financial commitment, AGEM and our members will be working closely with the superb team at JCM to ensure the event's continued success."
Frank Fahrenkopf, president and CEO of the American Gaming Association, said, "We are thrilled to have played a part in this truly exceptional year for the tournament -- both in bringing the total raised for the NCRG to more than a million since the tournament's inception and shattering the record for funds raised in a single year. Our industry has always stepped up when it comes to supporting research and education on responsible gaming, and this is yet another example of the industry putting its money where its mouth is. We thank everyone for their contributions and look forward to many more successful years to come."
"We are overwhelmed and grateful for the outstanding outpouring of support the gaming industry has given to this event over the course of the last 14 years, and for stepping up and pushing us past our million dollar goal this year. Operators, suppliers, regulators, a test lab, gaming media -- literally the entire industry was represented, and we are thrilled to be able to make such a large donation to the NCRG to help advance their incredibly vital work," said JCM Global President Aki Isoi.
The tournament took place May 1 on the award-winning greens of Cascata in Boulder City, Nevada. More than 130 players from across the gaming industry spectrum participated.
Title sponsors were AGEM, AGA and JCM. Other sponsors were Ainsworth, Aristocrat, Bally Technologies, Caesars Entertainment, CEM Magazine, G2E, GLI, GPI, Hikam, Konami, LG, MEI, Nanoptix, Patriot Gaming, Steinbeck Communications, Suzo-Happ and Waffletechnology. Team sponsors were Boyd Gaming, Cole Kepro International LLC, Global Cash Access, Grand Products Nevada,, IGT, Interblock, James Industries, Nevada Restaurant Services Inc. dba Dotty's, Shuffle Master Inc., SOL Casinos, Spielo International and TCS John Huxley.
About the National Center for Responsible Gaming
The National Center for Responsible Gaming (NCRG) is the only national organization exclusively devoted to funding scientific research on gambling disorders. Founded in 1996 as a 501(c)3 charitable organization, the NCRG is the American Gaming Association's (AGA) affiliated charity. For more information, visit www.ncrg.org.
About AGEM
AGEM is an international trade association representing manufacturers and suppliers of electronic gaming devices, systems, table games, key components and support products and services for the gaming industry. AGEM works to further the interests of gaming equipment suppliers throughout the world. AGEM has assisted regulatory commissions and participated in the legislative process to solve problems and create a business environment where AGEM members can prosper while providing a strong level of support to education and responsible gaming initiatives. For information, visit www.agem.org.
About the American Gaming Association
The American Gaming Association represents the commercial casino-entertainment industry by addressing federal legislative and regulatory issues. The association also serves as a clearinghouse for information, develops educational and advocacy programs, and provides leadership on industry-related issues of public concern. For information, visit www.americangaming.org.
About JCM Global
JCM Global is the world's leading supplier of innovative automated transactions solutions for the banking, gaming and retail industries. With unsurpassed service and support, JCM Global is trusted by operators, manufacturers and integrators on six continents. Its extensive line of award-winning products set global standards with ground-breaking products like the iVIZION®, Universal Bill Acceptor (UBA®) and Vega-RC™ bill validators, Intelligent Cash Box (ICB®) and PayCheck 4™ thermal printer. For more information, visit JCM Global's 24-hour virtual tradeshow at www.jcmglobal.com.
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