MGC Employees Jason Hammond and Tony Brooks wear red on Fridays. They are Remembering Everyone Deployed.
Happy Anniversary to the following employees of the Missouri Gaming Commission during the month of March-
Tim McGrail 1 year
Kristin Kayser 1 year
Angie Rinker-Lugo 3 years
Kathy Cardenas 4 years
Jake Neff 4 years
Amber Connor 8 years
Pat Robinette 9 years
Kelly Florea 11 years
Dawn Leehy 11 years
Mike Mitchener 11 years
Tara Nivens 13 years
Cheryl Alonzo 16 years
Jason Hammond 16 years
‘Have the Conversation’ During Problem Gambling Awareness Month
March serves as the National Problem Gambling Awareness Month. In cooperation with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), the Missouri Alliance to Curb Problem Gambling and its member organizations aim to increase the public’s awareness about problem gambling, the access to free help through the 1-888-BETSOFF (1-888-238-7633) help line, as well as encourage loved ones to “Have the Conversation” with someone who may be suffering.
“Problem gambling is often labeled as the ‘silent’ or ‘hidden’ addiction, and we want anyone who is suffering to know that they aren’t alone and that help is available,” said Mark Rembecki, Department of Mental Health and chair of the Alliance.
True to its “silent addiction” characterization, those who have a problem with gambling typically show no outward signs of addiction. Furthermore, the loved ones of a problem gambler can experience similar effects of the gambler’s addiction including mental stress and financial strain. To address the issue, the Missouri Alliance’s members have arranged for a series of public service announcements to air across the state throughout month.
“These television and radio public service announcements concentrate on the impact that compulsive gambling can have on the family of a problem gambler. The free help available in Missouri and nationwide isn’t limited to problem gamblers themselves; loved ones can access resources and information to help them through their situation,” continued Rembecki.
To access free help from licensed professionals, please call 1-888-BETSOFF (1-888-238-7633), email freehelp@888betsoff.org or visit 888betsoff.org. The Missouri Gaming Commission and the Missouri Lottery both offer their own exclusion programs for problem gamblers. More information about problem gambling concerns and responsible gaming can be found at 888betsoff.org, ncpgambling.org and gamblersanonymous.org.
About the Missouri Alliance to Curb Problem Gambling (888betsoff.org)
The Missouri Alliance to Curb Problem Gambling, which was created in 1997, is a partnership between the Missouri Lottery, Missouri Council on Problem Gambling Concerns, Inc., Missouri Department of Mental Health’s Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Missouri Gaming Association, Missouri Gaming Commission, Port Authority of Kansas City and a recovery community representative. The purpose of the Alliance is to educate Missourians on the potential characteristics and dangers of problem and compulsive gambling, to refer compulsive gamblers and their family and friends to free treatment through a toll-free help line, to prevent underage play and to promote responsible gaming.
(photo courtesy of Missouri State Highway Patrol)
Missouri Gaming Commission Executive Director Bill Seibert became the first black Major in Missouri State Highway Patrol history in 1997. He then became the first black MSHP Lt. Colonel in 2001, and the first black executive director of the Missouri Gaming Commission. We salute our boss, Bill Seibert, during Black History Month!
Missouri Department of Public Safety Director Lane Roberts (right) presents Cody Hanavan (middle)with the DPS Employee of the Month traveling plaque. MGC Executive Director Bill Seibert (left) looks on. Cody Hanavan was selected for his initiative in a patron complaint, which led to hours of investigation and interviews. This resulted in improved processes at the casino level and also ensured future promotions would be run according to rules. Cody Hanavan went above and beyond the call of duty. We congratulate Cody Hanavan, an Electronic Gaming Device Specialist 2 with the Missouri Gaming Commission!
Congratulations to these dedicated employees who are celebrating their anniversaries with the Missouri Gaming Commission during February!
Jeff Thomas 1 year
Kelly Allen 2 years
Brad Baker 5 years
Cody Hanavan 6 years
Sharon Sprenger 10 years
Cathy Lane 16 years
The Southeast Missourian has an interesting story on different options for traveling to a casino. The newspaper gives the MGC some link love. Read the story here.
Congratulations to Tony Brooks! Tony has been an integral part of the IT department and offers assistance to many of us who need help with our computers. He's smart, friendly, and quick to assist. Executive Director Bill Seibert presents Tony with his certificate.
The Columbia Daily Tribune reports on the hot topic of fantasy sports. Read the story here.
Officials say a former casino vice president conspired with a cocktail waitress and a gambler to steal over 400,000 dollars from a northeastern Pennsylvania casino. Read the story from the Scranton Times-Tribune.com
