The UNLV International Gaming Institute will present a symposium and workshop on problem and underage gambling on Aug. 17-18.

Titled the ITT Sheraton Symposium, it is made possible by a grant from ITT Sheraton Corp.'s gaming division. This educational opportunity is offered free of charge to members of the gaming industry. Although designed for members of the Nevada gaming industry, it is open to attendees from other areas.

The purpose of the symposium is to help casino executives and human resources personnel who work with both customers and employees who may have gambling problems, according to Vince Eade, director of the UNLV International Gaming Institute. Speakers and participants -- including gaming executives and managers, academics, mental health professionals, and representatives of various organizations that deal with compulsive gambling -- will identify gambling problems and share their expertise in dealing with those problems.

"The most important part of the symposium is the workshop in which we design a program to address problem gambling," Eade said. "We will come up with a list of perhaps 25 steps a casino can implement. Our goal is not to just talk about the problems, but to offer solutions."

The keynote luncheon speaker on the first day of the symposium is William Curran, chair of the Nevada Gaming Commission. A top executive with the ITT Sheraton Gaming Division will speak at the lunch on the second day.

Symposium speakers will address such topics as the prevalence of compulsive gambling, treatment alternatives, the underage gambler, and requirements of gaming licensees regarding problem gambling.

The symposium is nearly sold out, but a few spots are still open, Eade said. For more information or to make a reservation, call (702) 895-3162.