NATIONAL GAMBLING IMPACT STUDY COMMISSION

JOSEPH BOTTINO

CHAIRMAN JAMES: Thank you very much.

Now Mr. Bottino. Thank you for being here.

MR. BOTTINO: Good evening, Madame Chairperson and Commissioners. Welcome to Atlantic City.

My name is Joseph Bottino, and I would like to tell you a little bit about myself. I consider myself an Atlantic City success story.

I first came here from the Philadelphia area where I was a high school and trade school dropout, working a bunch of dead end jobs. A friend advised me to join the Hotel and Restaurant Workers Union, Local 54, to seek work.

I went to join on my 18th birthday. I got a job that day. I've been employed ever since. I've worked my way through the ranks from dishwasher to busboy, to my current position as a gourmet waiter in Donald Trump's finest restaurants.

I've been able to accomplish a lot over the last 16 years due to my hard work, consistent casino jobs, and excellent union benefits and representation. I believe I am living the American dream. I have a wonderful wife, a fine son, and a beautiful daughter. I have a dog and a cat. I drive a stationwagon. I own a nice house in a good neighborhood. I'm still working on the white picket fence.

(Laughter.)

MR. BOTTINO: I've been able to build such a life for myself because of the opportunities provided to me by the existence of the casinos.

In closing, I want to thank you for the chance to talk to you. It is my hope that you will keep in mind that there are many people like me on whom the gaming industry has made a positive impact.

Thank you very much.

CHAIRMAN JAMES: Thank you, Mr. Bottino.