“I work on expanding the gaming industry throughout the world”

How did you receive the news that the AGA will recognize you with the 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award for Communications Gaming? What does this recognition represent for you?  
I was contacted by Judy Patterson, Senior Vice President and Executive Director of the AGA, who informed me that the selection committee had chosen me to receive the lifetime achievement award  for Communications and would I be inclined to accept. Of course, I was tremendously honored and accepted. Subsequently, I received a letter and call from Frank Frahrenkopf.

In which way do you think that you have contributed to the gaming industry with your work?
I think that I have helped define the gaming industry as an important economic engine in the minds of elected officials, legislators and community leaders. An engine that invests significant capital in infrastructure, creates thousands of jobs, generates revenues to support important legislative initiatives and invests in communities as a good corporate citizen.In my work with Caesar's Entertainment, I collaborated on the creation of the Code of Commitment, which codifies our pledge to our customers, employees and communities about how we will conduct our business and ensure that our communities are vibrant places in which to live and work.
To our employees, it is a commitment to create meaningful employment opportunties and career paths; to our  our customers, to be responsible  and to conduct our business with the highest standards of integrity; and to our communities - to give back  financially, to support philanthropic endeavors and to commit to responsible stewardship of the environment through sustainable activities, emission reduction, recycling and waste reduction at all of our properties.
The Harrah's (now Caesar's) Code became the industry standard and is now an integral part of how the AGA speaks to the commitments we bring from the industry to our communities.  The Code has helped people to understand the benefits of the gaming industry as a legitimate, important and respected industry and community partner.

How does the gambling industry have influenced in your life and career?
I have been involved in the gaming industry for over the last 20 years (I scarcely believe this myself!!), first as the mayor of  Las Vegas where I helped to build the number one tourist destination and convention destination city in the United States. And currently in my position at Caesars Entertainment, where as Senior Vice President for Communications and Government Relations, I work on expanding the gaming industry throughout the world. Being a part of  the gaming industry has allowed me to continue to work in politics, meet an incredibly diverse group of government and business leaders, devise legislation that promotes the industry and spearhead corporate social responsibility initiatives that gives back to communities in a meaningful way with the jurisdictions in which we partner. It is a vibrant industry, filled with creative and interesting people... I cannot imagine another industry which could have captured and maintained my interest for over 20 years... I love what I do which makes me very blessed.   

What is your evaluation about your 12 years at Caesars?
Along with Gary Loveman I am the longest serving member of the senior management team. When I joined Harrah's Entertainment in 1999, we were a us$ 1.5 billion company. Today we are a us$ 9 billion company and one of the largest and most diverse in the industry. As I was fortunate to be in a position to help build Las Vegas, I have been equally fortunate to be a part of building what today has become Caesar's Entertainment 

What are your aspirations for the long term? 
To continue to contribute to my company and the industry. To work to bring online poker to the United States...to continue to work to promote the expansion of destination resorts worldwide and to educate states and countries that gaming brings vitality and economic growth.