Office of the Attorney General
David Samson, Attorney General

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 12, 2002

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Genene Morris (609) 292-4791
Kerry Hand, DGE, (609) 441-2533, Pager # (609) 229-2198

Attorney General Appoints Thomas Auriemma
Acting Director of Division of Gaming Enforcement

TRENTON - Attorney General David Samson today announced the appointment of Assistant Attorney General Thomas Auriemma as Acting Director of the Division of Gaming Enforcement.

Auriemma, a Chatham Township resident, has served in New Jersey's casino regulatory system since 1978. He has held the position of Deputy Director of the Division of Gaming Enforcement since 1994. During his 24 years as a gaming regulator, Auriemma has handled some of the most significant issues in casino gambling including the 1982 disqualification of Hugh Hefner and the Playboy Casino Hotel, the assessment of the financial stability of the Trump organization in the early 1990's and, more recently, the licensing of Sol Kerzner of Sun International. Auriemma also serves as the Secretary to the International Association of Gaming Regulators and is a frequent speaker and participant in gaming conferences around the world.

"Tom brings a wealth of experience and perspective to this position and has extensive knowledge of all aspects of casino regulation. He has the knowledge and experience necessary to uphold New Jersey's reputation as an internationally respected casino regulatory agency," said Attorney General Samson.

"I am deeply honored by Attorney General Samson's confidence in me. I look forward to leading the Division as we await the opening of a new casino hotel and the introduction of new technological advances in the casino industry," said Auriemma.

A graduate of Seton Hall University and Seton Hall Law School, Auriemma served as a Deputy Attorney General in the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice before becoming a staff attorney and later Deputy Director of the New Jersey Casino Control Commission's Legal Division. He then accepted a position at the Division of Gaming Enforcement in 1986, becoming one of a few individuals to have worked for both the Division of Gaming Enforcement and the Casino Control Commission.

Auriemma replaces John Peter Suarez, who has been nominated by President Bush for an administrative enforcement position in the Environmental Protection Agency.

The Division of Gaming Enforcement was established in 1977 under the Casino Control Act to ensure the integrity of the casino industry in New Jersey. Its mission is to protect the public interest by maintaining a legitimate and viable industry, free from the influences of organized crime, and ensuring the honesty, integrity, and good character of casino owners, operators, employees, and vendors. The Division performs its mission through enforcement of the Casino Control Act and related regulations, which were designed to ensure a strictly regulated and economically sound casino gaming industry. Oversight by the Division includes investigations, inspections and audits, as well as criminal and regulatory prosecutions. The Division also provides advice, background investigative services and all administrative support to the State Athletic Control Board.

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