Press Releases

March 22, 2010

San Jose cardrooms fund research, expanded services to help individuals and families

(San Jose, CA) – Asian Americans for Community Involvement (AACI) has received a $3 million grant from Bay 101 and Garden City Casino to fund a three-year program that will research the extent of problem gambling in the San Jose area and expand services to problem gamblers and their families.

The first-of-its-kind partnership will also involve Asian American Recovery Services, Breathe California of the Bay Area, and the UCLA Gambling Studies Program.

“Most patrons enjoy coming to our cardrooms and play responsibly,” said Eric Swallow of Garden City, “and we have well-established responsible gaming programs at our cardrooms. But we look forward to doing more with our local community organizations to help any and all problem gamblers and family members, especially those residents of San Jose. Unlike tribal and Las Vegas casinos, California cardrooms do not receive any profit or revenue from customer losses. We want our customers to have an enjoyable and recreational experience so they will visit us again.”

The San Jose Problem Gambling Project will increase the number of certified problem gambling counselors in the region, increase the awareness of problem gambling, and provide treatment and other support services. Services will be available in multiple languages.

Research by the National Council on Problem Gambling estimates that about 85 percent of U.S. adults have gambled at least once in their lives, but for two to three percent of the population, an enjoyable pastime can become an addiction.

“Most people can gamble without developing a problem, but for those few who are negatively affected, we are looking forward to providing them with the help they need,” said Michele Lew, President and CEO of AACI.

For more information on the San Jose Problem Gambling Project, please call AACI at (408) 975-2730.