FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 16th, 2005

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA

Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board
Commonwealth Tower, Strawberry Square
303 Walnut Street, 5th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101

CONTACT

Doug Harbach or Richard McGarvey (717) 346-8321

PA Gaming Control Board To Sponsor Gaming Diversity Forum

HARRISBURG: The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board today announced that it is planning a Gaming Diversity Forum to promote the inclusion of women- and minority-owned businesses in the Commonwealth’s emerging gaming industry.

“The Gaming Diversity Forum will ensure that women and minorities are able to participate fully in the new, multi-billion dollar industry that gaming will become in Pennsylvania,” said Thomas A. “Tad” Decker, Chairman of the Board. Act 71 of 2004 requires the gaming board to promote diversity in all aspects of gaming in Pennsylvania.

Decker said the forum will likely be a day-long event consisting of three main sessions and networking opportunities for participants. Preliminary subjects for the main sessions are an Overview of Gaming in Pennsylvania; Advancing Diversity Among Manufacturers and Suppliers; and Preparing to Do Business.
The Gaming Board has not selected a site for the forum, tentatively planned for September 2005. Further details, including the exact date and location, speakers and registration information, will be announced when complete.