Washington, DC – As part of National Consumer Protection Week, March 6-12, the American Gaming Association (AGA) today underscored its commitment to exposing illegal gambling operations that target and prey upon vulnerable consumers in the United States.

“As part of National Consumer Protection Week, we are calling for stronger efforts nationwide to root out illegal gambling in our communities,” said Sara Rayme, AGA senior vice president of public affairs. “Each year, illegal gambling operations prey upon vulnerable Americans, drain law enforcement resources and deprive communities of essential tax dollars for education and public safety programs. Illegal sports betting is especially pernicious – and enormous. Americans bet nearly $145 billion illegally on U.S. sports last year. Large-scale criminal enterprises use these funds for human trafficking, drug trafficking, and money laundering schemes. We must continue to do all we can to root out this illicit activity.”

AGA currently leads the Stop Illegal Gambling – Play it Safe initiative, an alliance with law enforcement leaders and public officials to protect consumers and communities from illicit gambling operations. Last September, a report by Virginia Commonwealth University’s Dr. Jay. S. Albanese detailed the strong ties between illegal gambling and organized crime.

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.