NATIONAL GAMBLING IMPACT STUDY COMMISSION

JIM FARBER

Jim, and, Jim, how do you pronounce your last name?

MR. FARBER: It's Farber.

CHAIRPERSON JAMES: Farber. That's a B. Okay. Thank you.

MR. FARBER: Yes. Madame Chairman, Commissioners, my name is James Farber, and I'm a casino game supervisor at Harrah's Casino in Atlantic City.

I appreciate the chance to make known my feelings on how the opportunities presented by the casino business has profoundly changed my life.

I was born into a lower middle class family in a small town in northeastern Pennsylvania. Unable to afford a college education, I took the only employment that I could find and went to work in a local factory. Working conditions were less than ideal. I worked in an underground room with no windows, no air conditioning, and poor ventilation. The heat in the room regularly exceeded 90 degrees and I had to breathe chemicals all day long.

After enduring these conditions for two years, I heard of the gaming industry and the wonderful opportunities it presented. I packed everything I owned, withdrew my $500 life savings, and moved to Atlantic City.

I was extremely excited because I was already hired to work in a new casino hotel that was being built. The casino provided for my training, education, and the licensing that was required for me to begin my career.

In 1981, I received my first casino paycheck and was astonished to see that I was making more money than my father.

In 1984, I joined the Harrah's organization and was promoted to casino supervisor. As the gaming industry grew, so did its management style. The industry continued to take stock in me by paying and providing for my business education through numerous workshops, seminars, and a mentoring program.

My life was further enhanced by my purchasing power. I live in a nice house. I drive a new car. I own a computer. I vacation abroad and possess many other luxuries that create a comfortable life style.

While these things are enjoyable, they're merely incidental. To me the most valuable way in which the gaming industry has enhanced my life is in the sense of pride and self-esteem it has given to me. It has allowed me to work with people from all walks of life and from all around the world. It has taught me the value of diversity and how to assimilate the best of these cultures into myself.

The gaming industry has given me encouragement, education, empowerment, and self- esteem. For this I am indebted to the gaming industry.

Thank you, again, for the opportunity to express to you what a positive impact the gaming industry has made in my life.

CHAIRPERSON JAMES: Thank you for being here.