Washington, DC – The American Gaming Association (AGA) today applauded Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval for signing key gaming legislation into law and praised state legislators, who unanimously supported Senate Bill 9. The new law allows slot machines to incorporate elements of skill and will help the industry’s efforts to attract millennial customers.

“We applaud Nevada’s leadership on this bill that will allow for innovation among gaming equipment manufacturers and suppliers and help gaming reach a key customer demographic,”said Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the AGA. “We encourage states across the country to follow Nevada’s lead and support innovation that will help casinos thrive in all 40 gaming states.”

In March, Freeman spoke to gaming regulators from across the country and unveiled principles for “Next Generation” gaming policies that will make gaming an even stronger partner in creating jobs, driving economic development and supporting local communities:

1. Supply and demand apply to gaming, too. Historically, gaming has been seen as a cash cow that will just keep generating tax revenue, regardless of the policy environment. Those days are gone.
2. The old regulatory model doesn’t work. In today’s highly competitive gaming environment, the old approach fails. The states that turn a critical eye to their gaming policies and seek reforms to protect or grow market share will be the ones that maximize their returns from the industry.
3. Polices should be dynamic, flexible and nimble. The policy environment should allow regulators, operators and manufacturers to adapt quickly to the rapid pace of competition and shifting consumer trends.

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.  AGAmembers 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.

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