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    Key Gaming Resource Receives Major Boost with Addition of Tribal Gaming Data

    Press Release
    December 15, 2015

    Washington, DC – An important tool used by regulators, media and gaming industry professionals to better understand the complex gaming regulatory landscape has received a major update with the addition of Tribal gaming policies and regulations that cover 28 states. The American Gaming Association’s (AGA) By the Book, a first-of-its kind resource that allows stakeholders to easily compare key facts about the regulatory environment in each of the 24 commercial casino states, has expanded to include Class III Tribal gaming states.

    “AGA is playing a crucial role in highlighting the complex regulatory landscape the casino gaming industry and regulators often navigate, and the addition of Tribal gaming information to By the Book makes it an invaluable resource for a wide range of stakeholders,” said Geoff Freeman,  AGA president and CEO. “This interactive database will help us to advocate for better policies and regulations that will allow gaming companies to innovate, reinvest and create jobs.” 

    The online tool, which first launched last year as part of AGA’s Get to Know Gaming campaign, is accessible through an interactive, easy-to-use map on GamingBytheBook.org. The resource aggregates and explains in-depth the regulatory and statutory requirements for the gaming industry in five key areas: regulatory oversight; licensing; taxation; responsible gaming; and integrity.

    By the Book culls the most important details from state and Tribal compacts in 23 states. It focuses on the various policies that guide Class III gaming to ensure integrity, encourage responsible gaming and maximize economic contributions. 

    In January, AGA, which seeks to represent the totality of the industry in all of its campaigns, initiatives, advocacy and resources, opened its doors to Tribal gaming companies for the first time in the organization’s 20-year history. Seminole Hard Rock Gaming and Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority have led the way among Tribes.

    Also reflected in By the Book is updated 2014 economic impact data for commercial casinos across 24 states.  

    The database includes details on the following five key areas:

    • Regulatory oversight
      • Governing body
    • Licensing
      • Operator
      • Supplier
      • Key employee
      • Costs/fees per license
      • Renewal frequency
    • Taxation
      • Gaming tax rate
      • How taxes are reinvested
      • Taxation of promotional credits
      • Withholding tax on gambling winnings
    • Responsible gaming
      • Statutory funding requirement
      • Self-exclusion (including laws punishing excluded players from entering casinos)
      • Alcohol use
      • Advertising restrictions
      • On-premise display requirement
      • Prevention of underage gambling
    • Integrity
      • Testing requirements
      • Anti-money laundering requirements
      • Shipping requirements
      • Political contributions

    press release contact
    Dara Cohen

    (813) 777-9078