Washington, DC – With Tuesday’s debate taking place at a casino, the American Gaming Association (AGA) is providing a primer for those who don’t follow the industry as closely as we do. After all, we’ve already seen candidates visit Las Vegas and express shock when local reporters ask them about their views on gaming. Here are five facts that the presidential candidates, and the reporters who cover them, may not know about Nevada’s largest industry:

INFOGRAPHIC: Five Facts About Casinos That Aren’t Debatable

1.     Casinos operate in 40 states, not just Nevada and New Jersey. Gaming is no longer a niche, novel industry. Rather, it’s a $240 billion industry that supports 1.7 million jobs and generates $38 billion in tax revenue.

2.     Gaming is aggressively educating candidates through a first-ever effort. Through its Gaming Votes initiative, AGA has held on-the-ground events with members of Congress, local elected officials, community leaders and gaming employees in Iowa, Ohio, Nevada, and it will hold an event this week in Colorado. AGA will compile a voter guide for gaming employees to educate them about presidential candidates. 

3.     One-in-five casino employees is Latino, making it one of the most diverse industries in the country. As candidates seek votes from this key voting bloc, casinos offer the perfect place for connecting with Latinos.

4.     Direct gaming taxes make up 47% 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.

5.     Casinos cannot offer daily fantasy sports. Despite being one of the most highly regulated industries in the country, gaming regulators caution casino companies on offering this exciting, popular product. The gaming industry seeks legal clarity on this topic and believes it should be permitted to enter this market.

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.