NEW VIDEO: AGA goes inside illegal sweepstakes cafes in Ohio and Texas

Illegal gambling contributes no tax revenue, preys on consumers and deprives state and local governments of much-needed revenue

Washington, DC – American Gaming Association (AGA) Vice President of Government Relations Whit Askew released the following statement after the Ohio Casino Control Commission announced a new division aimed at ridding the state of illegal slot machines.

“We applaud Ohio regulators for stepping up efforts to crack down on illegal gambling in the state. In stark contrast to the legal, regulated gaming industry in Ohio – which just hit the $1 billion mark for tax revenue generated for law enforcement, education, local governments and more – illegal gambling fails to generate tax revenue or partner with local communities and rips off consumers. It is anything but a victimless crime. Just as we have partnered with law enforcement at every level, including the FBI, state attorneys general, sheriffs and chiefs of police, we look forward to supporting efforts of the Ohio Casino Control Commission and Attorney General Mike DeWine, who also has been a leader, in any way we can.”

AGA recently partnered with Digital Citizens Alliance – a coalition of consumers, businesses and internet experts focused on educating the public about the dangers of the internet – to expose the shady operators. The behind-the-scenes video provides an inside look at how these operations work in Ohio and Texas. The video features the Lucky You in Jefferson, Ohio and the Manor Sweepstakes and Internet Café just outside Austin, Texas. Watch the video here.

AGA’s “Stop Illegal Gambling – Play it Safe” initiative is uniting gaming and law enforcement to expose the growing illegal gambling market that preys on consumers, siphons tax revenues and funds violent crime.

AGA’s initiative focuses on five key areas of illegal gambling: illegal sports betting; black market machines; internet sweepstakes cafés; animal fighting; and illegal online betting.

The initiative has made significant progress over the last 12 months. More information can be found at StopIllegalGambling.org.

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.