While the vast majority of people safely enjoy gambling as a form of entertainment, there are those who do not gamble responsibly. Researchers estimate that 1-2 percent of the nation's adults are pathological gamblers, for whom life becomes a nightmare of lottery tickets, playing cards, slot machine reels and tumbling dice.

In an effort to educate Californians about this public health problem, the California Nations Indian Gaming Association and the California Council on Problem Gambling on Oct. 13-17 is sponsoring the first annual Responsible Gambling Awareness Week. Titled "Tumbling Dice," this weeklong series of symposiums, panel discussions and workshops will feature the nation's leading experts on gambling addiction.

Tribal leaders, health care professionals, gambling industry executives, elected officials and members of the press are encouraged to attend. The first panel discussions, featuring experts on youth gambling as well as a "recovery roundtable" involving those who have struggled with problem and pathological gambling, will be held 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 13, in Room 4203 of the State Capitol Building in Sacramento.

Panel discussions on the causes and treatment of gambling addiction and what California is doing to confront the problem will begin 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15, in the Camilla Room of the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Sacramento. Panel discussions on the response by tribal governments to gambling addiction will be held 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 17, at the Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula.

The daylong session will also include a workshop on how employees can respond to customers with problems. Sessions on Friday will include keynote speeches by Mark Macarro, chairman, Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians, and Philip Satre, chairman, Harrah's Entertainment Inc. The events are free. There is no need to register in advance.