Washington, DC – The nation’s casino industry is pushing Congress to enact cybersecurity legislation that would protect gaming facilities from cyber attacks and encourage information-sharing between the government and the business community. In a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Democratic Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), the American Gaming Association (AGA), as part of a broader business coalition, urged passage of the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015 (CISA).

“Recent cyber incidents underscore the need for legislation to help businesses improve their awareness of cyber threats and to enhance their protection and response capabilities in collaboration with government entities. These attacks are advancing in scope and complexity,” wrote the AGA.

Multiple casinos have been hit by cyber attacks in the last couple of years.

“The commercial facilities sector has a central role in the nation’s economy and, as such, remains vulnerable to cyber attacks. The sector includes retail centers, hotels, casinos, theme parks, studios, office and apartment buildings, convention centers, sports stadiums, and other sites where large numbers of people live, congregate to pursue business activities, conduct personal commercial transactions, and enjoy recreational pastimes.”

The U.S. House of Representatives passed two cybersecurity information sharing bills in April with strong majorities from both parties and broad industry support.

“The commercial facilities sector is dedicated to improving our capacity to guard against cyber attacks and help protect our customers from these threats. However, current law does not do enough to foster information sharing and establish clear lines of communication with the various government agencies responsible for cyber security,” wrote the AGA. “CISA will strengthen the nation’s ability to defend against cyber attacks and better protect all Americans by encouraging the business community and the government to quickly and effectively share critical information about these threats while ensuring privacy.”

Also signing the letter were the American Hotel Lodging Association; American Resort Development Association; Building Owners and Managers Association International; International Council of Shopping Centers; NAIOP, the Commercial Building Development Association; National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts; National Apartment Association; National Multifamily Housing Council; and the Real Estate Roundtable.

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.