Jim McVicker and Kenleigh Hobby, Race Track Industry Program students, were awarded the 2010-2011 Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino Responsible Gaming Scholarship.

The scholarship was awarded based on their proposal for a study of racinos in different states to determine the best industry responsible gaming practices. The study will include budget size, source of budget funding, types of programs, advertising of programs, number of program users, differentiation of racing and gaming programs, and program success measurements.

“Our committee was impressed with their proposal and we’re pleased that RTIP students continue to focus on responsible gaming as part of their studies,” said Steve Pedigo, simulcast coordinator and responsible gaming committee member.

The winning team of McVicker and Hobby will present their findings at Sunland Racetrack & Casino in the spring.

“Sunland offering a scholarship for a student project benchmarking the important topic of responsible gaming is a great opportunity for everyone involved, and the results should be of interest to the industry,” said Doug Reed, director of the Race Track Industry Program.

The scholarship amount is $4,000 for the spring 2011 semester and is to be divided between both students.

The University of Arizona’s Race Track Industry Program offers both a Bachelors and Masters degree program with an emphasis on the pari-mutuel racing industry and hosts the annual Symposium on Racing & Gaming held every December in Tucson, Arizona.

(RTIP)