convention & an opinion: First of all, my opinion -- we are not "targeting" kids 17 & younger. What this Junior Membership Program does is offer a way for those members with younger kids to get their kids to be a part of something that they enjoy. This special membership, I believe, offers these kids an opportunity to feel like they're a part of something with ideas & activities directed at them specifically versus being an Associate Member. While I think that there will be few participants, I'm happy about the thought that it might give kids something to do with their mom or dad and I think that that benefits more than just this club & hobby. I look at someone like club member Derek Bistricky who has gotten his son involved in the hobby or someone like Dennis Shoop with his grandson. It's just an opportunity for each of them to spend some time together with their kids. They're not being sent off to go harvest chips...but they are spending time away from the TV & video games . Just as I believe that collecting chips has really become a secondary activity to enjoying the friends that I have made in this hobby, I think the same holds true for this Junior Membership.

Regarding the convention -- Belinda put together a little program at the convention for kids. While probably less than 12 kids participated, those that did really enjoyed it. I know because I got to hand out the last stamp & they were all pretty excited. Most of these kids were schlepping their mom or dad (or both) around & that was really great to see. A couple older kids were on their own, but still it was something to share with their parent(s)...and that was just nice to see.

I don't have your insights into Gaming Regulations and / or regulators, but based upon what I see & based upon what I believe that the intent & focus of this Junior Membership is, I'm all for it.

Steve B