Media Advisory
For Immediate Release: October 27, 2020
NOTE TO EDITORS: Please contact KYCPG Executive Director Mike Stone for further information.
Phone: 502/223-1823; E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
For information on problem gambling awareness and self-assessment, please visit www.kygamblinghelp.org.
For more information on KYCPG or on problem gambling issues, visit www.kycpg.org.
Louisiana’s Beasley to Receive Arch L. Gleason Award
Gerald W. Beasley, Director of Human Resources and Compliance, Eldorado Resort Casino Shreveport, Louisiana, is the 2021 recipient of the juried Arch L. Gleason Award for Responsible Gambling Leadership. The Gleason Award is presented by the Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling (KYCPG) to honor the principles embodied by the late Arch L. Gleason when he was president and CEO of the Kentucky Lottery Corporation and president of the World Lottery Association.
“I attended meetings and heard Arch explain that if lottery products were responsible for a single person suffering from a gambling problem or addiction, lotteries had a moral and ethical responsibility to help raise awareness of responsible gambling behavior and support recovery programs,” Michael R. Stone, KYCPG Executive Director, said. “Arch lived his words, advocating for problem gambling services, providing financial support to the extent permitted, and guiding the World Lottery Association establishment of responsibility measurements. KYCPG seeks to recognize any gambling industry executive who practices commitment to responsible gambling.”
Beasley’s nomination by the Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling (LACG) cited two specific efforts:
“I believe gaming is a form of entertainment that offers numerous benefits to the consumer and the community when its products and services are offered and received in a responsible manner,” Beasley explained in a statement of his personal philosophy of gambling industry practices.
Beasley will accept the award and offer keynote comments during the Awards Luncheon at the 24th Annual KYCPG Educational and Awareness Conference to be held at the Holiday Inn Owensboro Riverfront, Owensboro, Ky., March 11-12, 2021. Registration and program details will be available Jan. 1, 2021, at www.kycpg.org, or by e-mailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The conference will explore the growth of video gaming and its links to problem gambling behavior with 11 hours of continuing education credit available for behavioral health counselors, social workers, and others.
“I have had the privilege to work with Gerald and witness his exemplary work ethic, his consistent care for employees and customers, and his actions that go ‘above and beyond’ the scope of his role to help our community,” LACG Executive Director Janet Miller wrote in support of the nomination. “I met Gerald when he was in a lower management position within the gaming industry, and his passion to provide innovative ways to best serve the employees and customers was always at his forefront. He has great respect from those of us in the health care field due to his gracious and unassuming character, his positive attitude, and his social consciousness.”
Sharon Barnes, a retired gaming executive wrote in support of Beasley’s nomination: “In order to establish an effective responsible gaming program, the team must think beyond regulatory requirements and include elements to the program that encourage the guest to gamble responsibly. Additionally, compliance training of employees is paramount. Mr. Beasley’s compassion and concern for the guest and employees is always his top priority. Furthermore, the responsible gaming program must be a living document that management includes in daily operations. Mr. Beasley is always the person in the room keeping responsible gaming and the welfare of the guest front and center.’
No matter where an individual’s position is in the organizational chart, Arch Gleason believed he or she should do the right thing. The Gleason Award exists to recognize someone not only for his or her commitment to responsible gambling, but also who has demonstrated the ability to successfully manage a gaming enterprise in a socially responsible manner. The honoree embodies the concept of being able to profitably operate a gambling company while incorporating responsible gambling principles across all aspects of the business.
KYCPG is pleased to recognize Gerald W. Beasley for his fulfillment of these ideals and his commitment to ensure a safe gambling experience for all patrons.
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The Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling is a non-profit corporation whose mission is to increase awareness of problem gambling, promote prevention and research, and advocate for the availability of treatment. KYCPG is supported by memberships and donations. Corporate members include Churchill Downs, Ellis Park, Keeneland Race Course, Kentucky Downs, The Red Mile, Turfway Park, The Kentucky Lottery Corporation, IGT, KRM Wagering, Caesars Southern Indiana, Hollywood Casino Hotel, and Tropicana Casino.
Members of the Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling Board of Directors are President Herbert (Bud) Newman, Psy.D, Louisville; Secretary Sara Westerman, Crestwood; Treasurer Mike Townsend, Crestwood; Professional Adviser Curtis L. Barrett, Ph.D., Prospect; Director of Education and NCPG Representative RonSonLyn Clark, Psy.D., Owensboro; John Arnett, Florence; Jim Blackerby, Lexington; Dennis Boyd, Louisville; Scott Hunt, Ph.D., Richmond; Susan Jacobson, Petersburg; Gerrimy Keiffer, Owensboro; Patrick Malarkey, Louisville; Alfred Perkins, Louisville; and Chip Polston, Louisville.
When It’s No Longer Fun – There Is Help.
If you or someone you know thinks there is a gambling problem, please call or text 1-800-GAMBLER.