Washington, DC – American Gaming Association (AGA) President and CEO Geoff Freeman today released the following statement in agreement with Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Executive Chairman and President Chris Kermode, who sought to distinguish legal, regulated sports betting from the corruption that it helps to prevent:

“Gaming companies provide a mainstream, legal form of entertainment and should be treated like every other business, including with sponsorship opportunities at major events like the Australian Open. Instead of jeopardizing the integrity of sports, legal gaming companies around the globe work closely with sports leagues and law enforcement to crack down on corruption, which runs rampant in the illegal betting market, and enhance the integrity of matches and games.

“AGA is dedicated to exposing and eliminating widespread, dangerous illegal gambling, and we will continue to educate stakeholders and the public about the important role gaming companies play to help ensure the integrity of tennis and all sports.”

Late last year, following months of study and deliberation, AGA’s Board of Directors issued a set of recommendations that marked a major shift in the industry’s approach to sports betting. AGA is building a broad coalition that will determine whether a rational alternative to current sports betting law in the United States exists. Such an alternative could include strict regulation, rigorous consumer protections and robust tools for law enforcement to eliminate illegal sports betting and strengthen the integrity of games.

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.