taxation

WASHINGTON—In commemoration of its 10th anniversary this month, the American Gaming Association (AGA) is launching a series of research white papers that will highlight the evolution of casino gaming during the past decade and provide analysis of key issues currently facing the gaming-entertainment industry. The first paper in the series, released today, discusses the impact of gaming privilege taxes on capital investment, job creation and other economic contributions in casino host jurisdictions. Subsequent papers periodically will be released throughout the next 12 months.

Thank you for that kind introduction and for the invitation to be with you today. For the second year in a row, not only do I get the opportunity to address state legislators — one of the industry’s most important stakeholders — but I also get to escape the Northeast in January for warmer climates. So for both reasons, it’s a pleasure to be here.

Thank you for that kind introduction, and thank you to Michael Pollack and Spectrum Gaming Group for inviting me to be here today. It’s a pleasure to have this opportunity to speak at the first Pennsylvania Gaming Congress. During the past decade, I have seen overwhelming growth in the gaming industry in the form of commercial casinos, Native American gaming and, most recently, the phenomenon of racetrack casinos, which Pennsylvania legalized just last summer.

Mr. Chairman and distinguished members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to submit testimony to your panel today. I realize that many of you may be unfamiliar with our industry, and I always appreciate the opportunity to demystify our business.

For those of you who don’t know about my organization, I’d like to briefly explain what the American Gaming Association is and give you an overview of the industry we represent.

Thank you for that kind introduction, and thank you to Michael Pollack and Spectrum Gaming Group for inviting me to be here today. It’s a pleasure to have this opportunity to speak at the first Florida Gaming Congress. During the past decade, I have seen overwhelming growth in the gaming industry in the form of commercial casinos, Native American gaming and, most recently, the phenomenon of racetrack casinos, which voters in Broward County approved earlier this year.

Dear Editor:

The headline to Jonathan Weisman’s Sept. 22 article: “In Break With Tradition, Casinos May Get Tax Breaks, Too,” elicits an obvious question. “Why not?”  As Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour said, we “should be treated like any other industry.”

Though, for many, the rising temperatures signal a time of relaxation, we in the gaming industry are working especially hard to make the most of the summer season.