WASHINGTON – The Pennsylvania casino gaming industry supports more than 33,000 jobs statewide and has a total economic impact of $6.3 billion, the American Gaming Association (AGA) announced today at a Get to Know Gaming event hosted in Washington, PA.

AGA’s Get to Know Gaming campaign engages local leaders in a discussion about the critical role gaming plays as a community partner across the country. Wednesday’s roundtable panel at The Meadows Racetrack and Casino included U.S. Rep. Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14); Penn National Gaming President and CEO Timothy Wilmott; North Strabane Township Fire Department Chief Mark Grimm; local small business owner Melissa Mega of The Ivy Green; and AGA President and CEO Bill Miller. Washington County Chamber of Commerce President Jeff Kotula moderated the discussion.

Today’s event also marked the release of AGA’s latest report, Casinos & Communities – Pennsylvania, an in-depth look at the gaming industry’s economic and social contributions to communities across the state. The research couples key data on gaming’s economic impact – 33,171 jobs supported and $1.8 billion in wages generated – with input from stakeholders including local businessowners, industry employees and elected officials about gaming’s positive impact in their communities.

“Over the last 15 years, gaming companies across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania have served as an anchor for state and local economies, generating billions of dollars in tax revenue and operating as good stewards and community partners in the places casinos call home,” said Bill Miller, president and chief executive officer of the American Gaming Association. “Today, we’re pleased to highlight the success of gaming in western Pennsylvania, discussing the career opportunities that have been enabled, the small businesses that have been supported and the communities that have been positively impacted.”

“We are very fortunate here in Pennsylvania to have outstanding, community-minded industry partners,” said Rep. Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14). “Across our state, gaming companies are investing in the growth of our communities and supporting good jobs. It’s a critical partnership as we strengthen our economy and continue to expand job opportunities for Pennsylvanians.”

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 nationwide. AGA members include commercial and tribal casino operators, gaming 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.