Gamblers understand that there is risk involved in the activity, but there are some instances where the responsibility for loss lies in the hands of the casinos, themselves.  In these cases, gaming mediation is a cost-effective, highly successful method of alternative dispute resolution to recoup money owed or hold a casino legally responsible for unfair treatment.

Here are some of the situations in which gaming mediation can be an effective legal remedy:

• A gamer has not been paid his or her winnings by the casino.
• A gamer has not received perks or bonuses promised by a casino.
• A gamer has received poor service, incorrect information, or unfair treatment from a casino.

Since many casinos thrive on a positive reputation among gamers and gamblers, it is important for them to deal with complaints of unfair or unprofessional practices as quickly and confidential as possible.  That’s why gaming mediation has become such a popular method of resolving gaming-related and casino-related conflicts—it offers absolute confidentiality, cost-effective legal remedy, and a quick resolution process that avoids the courts and litigation altogether.

If you are a gamer and need conflict resolution, here are a few steps to follow before pursuing mediation.

1) Contact the casino first to express your problem or complaint.  Having a thorough knowledge of the casino’s own rules and regulation can also assist in determining the level of legal recourse you might have.

2) If the casino does not offer a satisfactory remedy, contact a mediator with experience in gaming mediation.  The laws relating to gaming vary by state and gaming mediation requires a unique expertise.  Mediators with extensive experience mediating gaming disputes should be able to offer references and examples of past disputes they have settled via the process of gaming mediation.

3) In the initial meeting with your gaming mediator, be sure to bring any documents and proof that you have regarding the dispute.  Remember: the more evidence you have, the more likely you are to achieve a successful and acceptable resolution.  If you were unfairly treated by a casino and there were witnesses to the event, you will need to provide contact information for the witnesses.  If you were able to record the incident with a cell phone camera or other recording device, bring the recording with you as further proof.