Washington, DC –With the Republican National Committee (RNC) expected to officially announce that GOP presidential candidates will debate for the first time in the casino city of Cleveland, Ohio, the American Gaming Association (AGA), through its “Gaming Votes” initiative, is capitalizing on the opportunity to highlight gaming’s economic impact on Cleveland and the entire state. Ohio’s casinos and racinos support 14,000 jobs, deliver more than $2.2 billion in economic impact, and generate nearly $700 million in taxes annually, according to an Oxford Economics report.

“Presidential candidates routinely applaud economic engines and job creators that support everyday Americans – and that’s exactly what gaming is doing in Ohio,” said Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the AGA. “On debate night, the thousands of employees – voters – whose jobs depend on gaming will be watching closely, and the AGA will ensure they know which candidates support their industry.”

Earlier this year, the AGA announced its “Gaming Votes” initiative to highlight the fact that in presidential battleground states, casino gaming supports more than half-a-million jobs and contributes $75 billion to local communities. The initiative, which will feature events in Ohio before, during and after the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland, will ensure presidential candidates understand gaming’s vital role in providing middle class jobs and driving economic growth.  

Casino gaming is a $2.2 billion industry in Ohio that supports 14,000 jobs and generates $673 million in tax revenue – enough to pay more than 200,000 teachers’ salaries. Gaming serves as a strong community partner in Cleveland; for example, the industry is playing a key role in revitalizing the City’s Public Square. Elsewhere around the state, gaming is helping to turn around a once-struggling Columbus neighborhood. And in Toledo, local officials say the industry has been an “asset” that attracts tourists, generates key revenues and creates jobs.

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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