WASHINGTON – The Ohio gaming industry supports nearly 20,000 jobs statewide and has a total economic impact of $3.6 billion, according to new Casinos & Communities research the American Gaming Association (AGA) released today at Miami Valley Gaming (MVG) in Lebanon. AGA and MVG welcomed U.S. Rep. Steve Chabot (R-01) and local business and non-profit leaders to participate in today’s event, highlighting the productive partnership between gaming and Southwestern Ohio.

Wednesday’s event is part of AGA’s Get to Know Gaming campaign, which aims to educate local leaders about gaming’s role as a community partner in 40 states across the country.

“Throughout the state, the gaming industry is an engine of innovation for communities and its partners. We are engaging and supporting area small businesses, creating new partnerships with local non-profit organizations and providing good jobs that pave a path to the middle class for workers of all backgrounds,” said Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of AGA. “Today, gaming provides $804 million in supported wages and more than half a billion dollars in gaming tax revenues annually across the state. As the industry continues to grow, so, too, do the opportunities for our surrounding communities.”

“What we are seeing with the gaming industry in Ohio is a microcosm of how our economy looks when it is working as it’s designed to function,” said U.S. Rep. Steve Chabot.  “Private investment creates employment opportunities for local workers, including those with disabilities, which leads to economic growth, and higher tax revenues.  Higher revenues, in turn, help to support more robust local services.  Simply put, everyone benefits.”

Wednesday’s roundtable at Miami Valley Gaming included Chris Kershner, executive vice president, Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce; Domenic Mancini, general manager of Miami Valley Gaming; Jason Birney, general manager of Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway; Bill Staler, CEO, LifeSpan; Lynne Hibbard, employment services coordinator, Butler County Board of Developmental Disabilities; U.S. Rep. Steve Chabot; and Geoff Freeman, president and CEO, American Gaming Association.

AGA’s Casinos & Communities report provides an in-depth look at how the gaming industry supports local communities through non-profit partnerships and local workforce initiatives. The report – the first of its kind – spotlights several partnerships the gaming industry has forged with local elected officials and non-profit leaders in communities that host gaming locations across the Buckeye State. The full report can be viewed here.

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About AGA: The American Gaming Association is the premier national trade group representing the $261 billion U.S. casino industry, which supports 1.8 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 achieve sound policies and regulations consistent with casino gaming’s modern appeal and vast economic contributions.