Washington, DC – American Gaming Association (AGA) President and CEO Geoff Freeman released the following after the Nevada Legislature approved funding for a new stadium in Las Vegas:

“Today the Nevada Legislature took an important step in bringing America’s favorite sport to Las Vegas by approving funding for a new NFL stadium.

“The legislature’s action signals that sports betting and professional sports can coexist in a safe, regulated marketplace. Utilizing cutting edge data analytics, leagues and regulators can monitor betting activity in real time, and help ensure that the integrity of professional games is paramount. Nothing threatens the integrity of sports more than the unregulated marketplace of today where Americans wager at least $150 billion annually through bookies and illegal, offshore websites.

“It is time for a new approach to sports betting that eliminates the federal prohibition and acknowledges the reality that fans are seeking greater engagement with the sports, teams and players they enjoy.”

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.