legislative issues

The Bush administration’s plan to target the proceeds of gambling winnings to pay overdue child support is a proposal with a commendable goal but dubious tactics. While the American Gaming Association will certainly review the plan in detail, it appears to raise the same concerns as similar proposals made by the Clinton administration in 1994 and again in 2000.

Good morning.  My boss, Frank Fahrenkopf, sends his regards and regrets for not being here due to a minor medical procedure.

I’m happy to be here at the fabulous Wynn Las Vegas to report on the state of the commercial gaming industry as we head into 2006.  As many of you know, this past year marked the 10th anniversary of the American Gaming Association, and I think it’s fair to say that as we enter our next decade, we do so as the voice of an industry that has seen its fair share of challenging times but has emerged more united, stronger, and with more opportunities than ever.

Despite widespread discord throughout Washington, political players and spectators from both sides of the aisle can agree on at least one fact: The game is changing.

The recent election of Republican Scott Brown to the vacant U.S. Senate seat in Massachusetts has upended the congressional balance of power, dismantling the Democratic supermajority. It has established an atmosphere of uncertainty on Capitol Hill, threatening to create an impassable legislative logjam. The national policy agenda – once firmly established – is now virtually unknown.