Washington, DC — American Gaming Association Senior Vice President of Public Affairs Sara Slane released the following statement following the Solicitor General’s recommendation to the Supreme Court not to hear New Jersey’s case to overturn the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA):

“The 25-year-old ban on sports betting is fueling a thriving $150 billion illegal gambling market that deprives states of revenue that could instead pay for vital public services, such as education, infrastructure and law enforcement. While the Supreme Court has yet to decide whether to hear New Jersey’s case to overturn the federal ban, the casino gaming industry is building a diverse coalition of stakeholders who will work with Congress and the Trump Administration to lift the unconstitutional ban on sports betting and give states the freedom to regulate this increasingly popular American pastime.”

Background:
In 2016, the AGA sent an Amicus Brief to the Supreme Court in support of New Jersey’s efforts to repeal PASPA.

Last month, the AGA outlined policy principles outlining the industry’s approach to legalized sports betting. The principles are intended to create clear guideposts as discussions with key policymakers, allies and interested parties become more granular.

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.