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    Casinos Invite Jeb Bush to Overcome Opposition to Gaming, Better Understand Nevada’s Largest Industry

    Press Release
    October 22, 2015

    Washington, DC – In an interview with leading Nevada political reporter Jon Ralston, presidential candidate Jeb Bush reiterated his opposition to gaming in a state that depends on the industry’s success.

    Bush: “Yeah, I don’t like gambling, just for the record. Is that politically incorrect in Nevada?”

    Ralston: “You’re probably saying that in the wrong place.”

    Direct gaming taxes make up 47 percent of Nevada’s general fund revenue. Casino gaming contributes $53 billion to the Nevada’s economy, supports 425,000 jobs and generates nearly $8 billion in tax revenue. 

    “Gaming is the lifeblood of Nevada’s economy, and we invite Governor Bush to visit a casino and meet gaming employees in Nevada in order to better understand our industry,” said Sara Rayme, AGA senior vice president of public affairs. “Candidates seeking votes in Nevada shouldn’t be averse to stepping foot inside a casino because they don’t like gambling. The reality is that embracing casino gaming will boost, not hurt, a candidate’s campaign.”

    Earlier this year, the AGA launched its first-ever “Gaming Votes” initiative, which is educating candidates about the industry and informing gaming employees about the candidates as they visit key early-vote and battleground states – which also happen to be casino states. AGA is compiling a voter guide to share with gaming employees – voters – ahead of caucuses and elections. Polling shows that nine-in-ten American voters approving of gaming.

    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. 

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