FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2004

CONTACT: Steve Dolan
(619) 594-5664
sdolan@mail.sdsu.edu

SAN DIEGO, Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2004 - With casino gaming being such a major player in the region, San Diego State University's College of Extended Studies is launching a Professional Certificate in Casino Gaming program beginning April 1.

The curriculum is designed to provide students with the opportunity to begin or further their careers in the casino and gaming industry. Participants will obtain a strong basic background in Indian gaming history, regulations, gaming law, supervision, customer service, and leadership.

"San Diego County has a heavy concentration of casinos," said William Byxbee, dean of the College of Extended Studies. "It seemed logical to us to approach the various Native American casinos to see if we might share resources to train motivated individuals in this exciting and expanding career area. Our approach has been to utilize the very best working professionals who can provide real world examples of what they teach. The curriculum was designed in constant consultation with tribal members, outside consultants and best practices from other fields of hospitality. The end result is a vibrant program whose graduates will be recognized and have completed a rigorous and well monitored certificate program."

Industry experts will deliver instruction, emphasizing the latest developments, practices, and issues facing the gaming profession which can be applied immediately to the job. Content and competencies are geared directly toward the casino organization's needs, and are designed to provide students with the tools necessary to become successful in this field.

"The expansion of casino gaming in Southern California creates a need to train more people," said Andy Asselin, senior vice president and general manager of Viejas Casino. "We are pleased the College of Extended Studies at San Diego State is offering this type of program to help train employees in the industry."

Said Steve Penhall, general manager of Sycuan Casino & Resort: "San Diego is now the second-largest gaming market in the country. For prospective employees, this certificate program offers a great opportunity to leverage their position in this potentially lucrative job market."

Course topics are: Introduction to Indian Gaming, Gaming Regulations on Sovereign Soil, Gaming Security and Surveillance, Customer Service in a Unique Environment, Diversity in the Workplace, Table Games, Slot Analysis, Revenue Techniques, and Deterring and Detecting Casino Cheats.

Two preview classes will be offered this spring: Introduction to Indian Gaming, and Gaming Regulations on Sovereign Soil. The entire certificate program will follow in the summer and fall.

Highlights of the program include:

• Casino employees receive a 15 percent discount.
• Employees can work full-time and still get the training to be successful in the San Diego casino industry.
• Students acquire new skills in a short period of time.
• An optional "take it on the road" philosophy of bringing the classroom to the casino for employers seeking classes at their business site.

For more information on the Professional Certificate in Casino Gaming program, please call (619) 594-6255 or visit www.NeverStopLearning.net.

SDSU's College of Extended Studies offers a wide variety of lifelong learning classes, seminars, and certificate programs. Career advancement courses are offered in many areas of management, leadership, and quality improvement while self-enrichment courses range from astronomy to web design. Additionally, the College offers over 25 certificate programs, online courses, and many other learning opportunities. To register or for more information, call (619) 594-5152 or log on to www.NeverStopLearning.net.