Studies have estimated that, internationally, there are approximately 2.2 billion gamblers that put 1.5 trillion dollars at risk annually. Many countries and jurisdictions around the world have attempted, through various means, to ameliorate the harm to their constituents caused by inappropriate and excessive gambling. However, until the introduction of the Safe Gaming System™ (SGS), there has been no large-scale mechanism previously devised that effectively guides and assists gamblers to avoid or minimize harm. Richard A. (Rich) Johnson, a registered professional engineer, conceived the SGS in 1999, and submitted a US patent for the system shortly thereafter. In 2003, after an intensive 3-year review, the US Patent Office granted a very robust patent for the Safe Gaming System. In 2006, a Canadian patent for the SGS was also approved. The SGS organization, that followed on the creation of the system, consists of engineers, software developers, and experts in the field of gambling. Their persistent vision is to lead the implementation of this technology-based solution, that provides a robust and complete set of gambling consumer protection measures, with an ultimate social mission to minimize harm from gambling for consumers who utilize the SGS. The SGS Headquarters is located in Las Vegas, Nevada. SGS also sponsors two other Web sites, problemgambling.com and responsiblegaming.com, that complement the SGS principles. These Web sites disseminate helpful information and guidance to gamblers, gaming companies, and professionals who treat people with gambling problems or strive to prevent gambling issues.

Richard A. Johnson, P.E.