Washington, DC – American Gaming Association (AGA) President and CEO Geoff Freeman released the following statement today after Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian made absurd claims about what gaming would bring to Northern New Jersey:

“Whether or not Northern New Jersey should have casinos is worthy of a healthy debate. But that debate should be based in fact, not driven by asinine comments like those made by Mayor Don Guardian. In every location in which we operate, gaming is a strong and valued community partner. Local leaders – mayors, law enforcement, non-profit executives, small business owners and others – routinely tout the positive social impacts of gaming in cities and towns from coast to coast. It’s disappointing and disingenuous for Mayor Guardian to recycle tired myths about an industry that serves as the lifeblood of his city.”