Washington, DC – Republicans debating in ultra-liberal Boulder? Yes. Casino gaming serving as an economic engine in Colorado? Also true. In fact, Colorado’s 37 commercial casinos support more than 10,000 jobs, generate nearly $350 million in tax revenue and drive $1.5 billion in economic activity.

Further, a growing number of high-tech and engineering jobs in the Denver area are going to Colorado’s colleges and universities, and these well-educated employees work everyday at a testing lab, Gaming Laboratories International in Wheat Ridge, to ensure the integrity of slot machines and table games at casinos in Black Hawk, Central City, Cripple Creek and around the world.

“Presidential candidates have talked about casino gaming in each of the first three debates, but it’s clear many have never stepped foot inside a casino or met with our employees,” said Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the American Gaming Association (AGA). “Colorado offers yet another opportunity to get to know an industry that’s embraced by communities and voters in the key presidential states.”

Nine-in-ten voters across the country approve of casino gaming.

Two of Colorado’s highest profile Republican elected officials – U.S. Senator Cory Gardner and Congressman Scott Tipton – recognize the importance of the industry in their state and participated in a roundtable event hosted by AGA earlier this month. “There’s a wide variety of jobs, from the people who are dealing cards to the people working in the kitchens at casinos,” said Senator Gardner at the event.

Casino gaming supports more than half-a-million jobs and contributes $75 billion to local communities in key presidential states including Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania and others. Since launching Gaming Votes in February, AGA has held events with community leaders, gaming employees and members of Congress in Nevada, Iowa, Ohio and Colorado.

About AGA: The American Gaming Association is the premier national trade group representing the $240 billion U.S. casino industry, which supports 1.7 million jobs in 40 states.  AGA members include commercial and tribal casino operators, suppliers and other entities affiliated with the gaming industry.  It is the mission of the AGA to be the single most effective champion of the industry, relentlessly protecting against harmful and often misinformed public policies, and paving a path for growth, innovation and reinvestment.