Gaming America Huddle Interview with Paul Pellizzari

Introduction

Host: Tim Poole
Guest: Paul Pellizzari, VP of Global Social Responsibility at Hard Rock
Topics: CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) in the gaming and hospitality industry

Four Core Mottos:
- Love All, Serve All
- All is One
- Take Time to Be Kind
- Save the Planet
Inform all of Hard Rock's activities and campaigns

Overview: Serves cafes, hotels, and casinos globally
Key Programs:
- Responsible Gambling (Player's Edge)
- Environmental Sustainability (Save the Planet)
- Anti-Human Trafficking

ESG Growing Importance:
- People (guests, employees, partners) demand authenticity
- Avoidance of greenwashing and woke-washing
- Incorporation of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

January: Anti-Human Trafficking Awareness Month
Global Awareness: Increasing recognition of the problem
Industry Responsibility: Hotels and casinos have a vital role
Pilot Program: QR code stickers for victims to seek help discreetly
- Piloted in New York, Cincinnati, Hollywood FL, and Madrid
Role of American Gaming Association:
- Paul sits on the AGA's human trafficking task force
Training:
- Half-hour core training for all team members
- Regular short videos for ongoing education

Social Identity Quest:
- Target: High school students
- Partner: ECPAT USA
- Prevents online luring
- Impact: 1.2 million students, 13% increase in online safety literacy
Pinktober Campaign:
- Yearly event for supporting breast cancer research
- Raised over $11 million in 20 years, nearly $1 million last year
- Integrates guest experiences (special dishes, merchandise, songwriting contests)

Social Responsibility Report: To be released soon
QR Code Sticker Rollout: Assessment and expansion of the pilot program
Job Transition Program for Homeless Youth:
- Partner: Covenant House
- Helps homeless youth find jobs and build careers with Hard Rock
Sustainable Design Standards: For future developments
Continuation with AGA: Standardized human trafficking training program