LAS VEGAS – The American Gaming Association (AGA) and the Las Vegas business community today called on members of the U.S. House of Representatives to reject a proposal designed to revive licensing activities for Yucca Mountain as the nation’s nuclear waste repository. H.R. 3053, the “Nuclear Waste Policy Amendments Act of 2017,” is scheduled to be considered by the House of Representatives this week.

In their letter to congressional leaders, the business leaders wrote, “Safety and security remain a top priority for all Americans and any problems with the transport of more than 110,000 metric tons of nuclear waste to the site throughout the country, or issues with its storage there, would bring potentially devastating consequences to the local, state and national communities.  Moreover, with taxes on Nevada’s tourism industry providing 42 percent of the state general fund, even a modest decline in visitors’ perception about the region could have severe negative implications for the state’s economy and future growth.”

“Some in Congress and the federal government continue to advance the short-sighted notion that the entirety of the nation’s nuclear waste should be transported over hundreds of miles through the heart of the country to a site a short drive from the Las Vegas city limits, and its 2.1 million residents and employees,” said Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the American Gaming Association. “It is particularly disappointing that Congress would use federal power to attempt to compel Nevada to house nuclear waste over the objections of the bipartisan congressional delegation, the Governor, businesses, and citizens across the Silver State.”

The letter was signed by:

• Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the American Gaming Association;
• Virginia Valentine, president of the Nevada Resort Association;
• Mary Beth Sewald, president and CEO of the Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce;
• Rossi Ralenkotter, CEO of the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority;
• James Murren, chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International;
• Joe Asher, CEO of William Hill U.S.;
• Keith Smith, president and CEO of Boyd Gaming Corporation;
• Mark P. Frissora, president and CEO of Caesars Entertainment;
• Sheldon Adelson, chairman and CEO of Las Vegas Sands Corporation; and
• Timothy J. Wilmott, CEO of Penn National Gaming.

To view a copy of the full letter, click here.

Background:

• Yucca Mountain is located 90 miles from Las Vegas, which welcomed nearly 43 million visitors last year. Las Vegas is once again on pace to meet or break that number with over 10 million visitors already accounted for in 2018. The area is one of the fastest growing in the U.S., with a population that now exceeds 2.1 million people according to an estimate from the U.S. Census Bureau.
   
• In April of 2017, AGA President and CEO Geoff Freeman sent a letter to the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on the Environment and the Economy, expressing opposition to any attempt to restart the repository licensing process.

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 achieve sound policies and regulations consistent with casino gaming’s modern appeal and vast economic contributions.

G2E is the catalyst for gaming—fostering innovation and driving growth by convening the global industry to define tomorrow. Don’t miss this all-in-one experience taking place October 7-10, 2024 at The Venetian Expo.

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These exclusive AGA-member only guides are for those looking to explore topics at G2E 2024 tailored for their job function. Check out education sessions, on-site activations and networking opportunities, and exhibitor recommendations curated specifically for you.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Gaming Association (AGA) announced Hard Rock International Chairman and Seminole Gaming CEO Jim Allen as the association’s next chairman. The AGA board of directors elected Allen to succeed Aristocrat Technologies CEO and Managing Director Trevor Croker, who has served as AGA chairman since January 2020. His two-year term begins in January 2022.

Allen has served on AGA’s board of directors since 2015, where his leadership and experience has played an integral role in driving association priorities. For twenty years, Allen has led all gaming, hospitality and entertainment operations for the Seminole Tribe of Florida, vastly expanding the tribe’s gaming operations across the state and country.

“This is a pivotal juncture for the gaming industry and I’m honored to serve as the AGA’s next chairman,” said Allen. “The AGA has played an essential role in uniting the industry throughout the pandemic, and I’m thankful to Trevor and the AGA board of directors for entrusting me to help lead the industry’s continued recovery.”

“I’m thrilled to welcome Jim as AGA chairman,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller. “Jim brings decades of experience in commercial casino operations and tribal gaming—a perspective that will be invaluable as we work to set the industry’s agenda, accelerate gaming’s comeback and strengthen our value to communities across the country.”

“Trevor has been a tremendous chairman of the AGA and trusted advisor to me over the past two years, guiding the industry through the most challenging time in its history,” continued Miller. “The AGA and entire gaming community are indebted to his service to the industry.”

“It has been a privilege to serve as AGA chairman,” stated Croker. “I’m incredibly proud of our success in laying the foundation for gaming’s recovery and ensuring our future is brighter than ever. I have the utmost confidence that Jim, Bill and the entire association will continue to lead the gaming industry forward.”

The AGA’s executive committee recently extended Miller’s contract to remain the association’s president and CEO for an additional three years. Since joining in 2019, Miller and the AGA have advanced important industry priorities, including:

• Accelerating gaming’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, including the industry’s historic inclusion in the CARES Act.
• Securing a favorable regulatory environment for the industry to help pave the way for casino payments modernization and other industry innovation.
• Expanding responsible gaming efforts as the industry grows, including the establishment of AGA’s Have A Game Plan.^® Bet Responsibly.™ campaign.
• Amplifying gaming’s voice to the public and policymakers through communications and research and building gaming champions on Capitol Hill.

Gaming industry stakeholders and local media packed a lecture hall at UNLV’s International Gaming Institute to hear remarks from:

• U.S. Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV);
• Dr. Bo Bernhard, executive director, International Gaming Institute, UNLV;
• Robin Bernhard, senior manager, marketing & education, BMM Testlabs;
• Jennifer Shatley, responsible gaming policies and compliance specialist, Caesars Entertainment;
• Connie Jones, director of responsible gaming, Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers; and
• Sara Slane, senior vice president of public affairs, American Gaming Association. 

Resources

Press Release

Recap Newsletter

Livestream Video

Press Coverage Summary 

Las Vegas Review-Journal – AGA expanding code of conduct for responsible gaming

Gambling Compliance – Responsible Gaming Advocates Hope Lawmakers Pass Legislation To Help Consumers

Associated Press – Casino trade group updates rules to include sports betting

Methodology
YouGov, on behalf of the AGA, conducted an online survey from August 3-10, 2023 among a nationally representative sample of 2,018 Americans aged 21 and over. The margin of error is +/- 2 percent and greater among subgroups.

With a burgeoning casino industry, Massachusetts gaming industry leaders gathered during the 21^st annual Responsible Gaming Education Week to discuss how they view responsible gaming as not just a pledge, but a priority.

Stephen Crosby, chairman of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, began by sharing how when he took his role as chairman, he knew little about the industry, and as a result he was curious if casinos would be proactive partners on responsible gaming efforts. Since then, Crosby has seen firsthand that the industry “does take the [responsible gaming] issue seriously,” and is “tremendously collaborative” in responsibility efforts.

Later in the discussion, Crosby remarked that funding for responsibility programs and research would soon be increased to $15-20 million because of the introduction of casino gaming to the state—up from $1 million in funding when gambling was restricted exclusively to the lottery.

Alan Feldman, executive vice president of MGM Resorts International, stressed the importance of finding a balance between harm minimization and healthy behavior maximization, emphasizing the need to educate the public on the risk involved in gambling and how to identify signs of problem gambling. He added that casino operators have prioritized this issue by being the top funders of peer-reviewed research on problem gambling over the last two decades.

Russell Sanna, executive director at the National Center for Responsible Gaming (NCRG), observed that gambling has always been part of the world’s social fabric—the questions are: “what is it that people are doing that allows them to enjoy gaming [normally],” and “what is going on at the service level” where we can better engage those that may need help. If we can solve those two questions, Sanna says, we can amplify our impact on responsibility in gaming.

The event also highlighted AGA’s updated Code of Conduct and AGA’s Responsible Gaming Collaborative, both of which represent a membership-wide commitment to holding the industry to the highest standards of responsible gaming.

Additional panelists included Jim Baldacci, deputy chief compliance officer, Penn National Gaming; Sara Slane, senior vice president of public affairs, American Gaming Association; and Marlene Warner, executive director, Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling and president of the board of directors for the National Council on Problem Gambling.

Media Highlights

• Opinion: Responsible betting is a priority for gaming backers in Massachusetts, Dorchester Reporter 
• AGA Hosts Responsible Gaming Education Week Event in Boston as Industry Expands in State, CDC Gaming Reports 

Global Gaming Expo (G2E) will continue to bring the gaming industry together this fall through a new virtual experience. Get the benefits of a live event—expert education and thought leadership, networking opportunities, business meetings, and product discovery—wherever you are and on your schedule.

This complimentary kickoff session will take place on Wednesday, October 14 and feature three gaming leaders to discuss the path to reopening and strategies for success. The virtual platform will then open for a two-week preview where you can explore sessions, search for vendors, and plan your agenda for G2E taking place October 27-28.

Video Guides

How to Register as an AGA Member Operator

How to Register as an AGA Member for Non-Exhibiting Vendors and Suppliers

Global Gaming Expo (G2E) will continue to bring the gaming industry together this fall through a new virtual experience. Get the benefits of a live event—expert education and thought leadership, networking opportunities, business meetings, and product discovery—wherever you are and on your schedule.

A complimentary kickoff session will take place on Wednesday, October 14, 2020 and feature three gaming leaders to discuss the path to reopening and strategies for success. The virtual platform will then open for a two-week preview where you can explore sessions, search for vendors, and plan your agenda for G2E taking place October 27-28.

Video Guides

How to Register as an AGA Member Operator

How to Register as an AGA Member for Non-Exhibiting Vendors and Suppliers

WASHINGTON – The American Gaming Association (AGA) today announced the promotion of three senior leaders across the organization to drive industry priorities including responsibility, advocacy and gaming regulation, and the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) franchise:

• Cait DeBaun has been promoted to Vice President, Strategic Communications and Responsibility.
• Jessica Feil has been promoted to Vice President, Government Relations and Gaming Policy Counsel.
• Meredith Pallante has been promoted to Vice President, Global Events.

All three joined the AGA in 2019 and previously held senior director titles.

“Each of these incredibly talented women will lead core organizational functions at a critical time for our industry,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller. “They’ve helped to navigate the challenges of 2020 and will be instrumental in expediting gaming’s recovery in the months ahead.”

DeBaun joined the AGA to focus on advancing the industry’s commitment to responsibility. She has been instrumental in activating the Responsible Marketing Code for Sports Wagering, creating the Have a Game Plan.^® Bet Responsibly.™ public service campaign, and leading both the Responsible Gambling Collaborative and the association’s Responsibility Committee.

Feil is an attorney with a history in gaming policy. She manages state policy and regulatory engagement for the association, contributing to core government relations efforts including the advancement of legal sports wagering. Feil leads the association working groups on payments modernization, state affairs and NextGen gaming policy.

Pallante joined the AGA to manage G2E, the world’s leading gaming tradeshow, and extensions of that portfolio including G2E Asia. She will oversee all global industry events for the association, leveraging her experience as an organizer of the Las Vegas-based tradeshow CES.

“These are very well-earned promotions for exceptionally qualified professionals,” added Miller. “Cait, Jessica and Meredith will continue to serve our members, the gaming industry and our association well into the future.”

LAS VEGAS – The American Gaming Association’s (AGA) newly launched Gaming CEO Outlook shows confidence in expanded industry growth, with almost half of AGA-member CEOs expecting improved business conditions into 2022. Participating CEO positivity is driven by anticipated increases in new hiring (71%), wage growth (63%), and capital investment (39%).

“AGA’s inaugural Gaming CEO Outlook reflects the strength of our recovery and consumer demand for our world-class entertainment offerings,” said Bill Miller, AGA president and CEO. “The promising outlook is built on our innovation, but like many industries, supply chain and worker shortages continue to slow our full recovery.”

While the overall outlook is positive, challenges remain. More than two-thirds (71%) of CEO respondents cited supply chain issues as a factor limiting operations. Labor force shortages (63%), consumer health concerns (46%), and lagging meetings and events demand (38%) are also widely cited as impeding short-term growth.

The Gaming CEO Outlook, prepared for the AGA by Oxford Economics, provides a snapshot of the current and future economic health of the industry based on executive sentiment, employment, casino visitation plans, gaming revenue, and other key economic indicators. The results are informed by a survey of AGA member CEOs and executives representing equipment suppliers, casinos operators, and sportsbooks.

“We are a more resilient industry because of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Aristocrat Technologies CEO and AGA Chairman Trevor Croker. “As the gaming industry looks to 2022 and beyond, our impressive recovery will continue to create jobs, support communities, and generate needed taxes.”

The Gaming CEO Outlook includes two separate indices, the Current Conditions Index and the Future Conditions Index—both of which reflect strong business conditions.

Current Gaming Conditions
The Current Conditions Index of 115.1 reflects exceptionally strong growth in gaming revenue, employment, and employee wages and salaries over the past quarter. This represents one of the fastest periods of growth in the industry over the past 20 years. Notably, all CEO panel participants assessed the current gaming business climate as “good” (54%) or “satisfactory” (46%).

Looking Ahead: Expansion Continues
The Future Conditions Index, which provides a leading indicator of changes in industry conditions, also shows positive results at 102.7. Nearly half of gaming executives expect future business conditions to further improve from today’s already strong climate, and just nine percent expect conditions to deteriorate over the next six months.

Among gaming operators, half plan to increase hotel and food and beverage amenities, while 43 percent plan to increase capital investments in gaming machines.

Gaming suppliers are also optimistic: over the next six months, 75 percent expect sales of gaming units for replacement use to increase and 63 percent expect sales of new units to improve.

The gaming industry’s recovery, including a record-breaking second quarter, is well underway and current executive sentiment points to a robust end of the year and strong start to 2022.

Miller will deliver his annual State of the Industry update today at 11:45 ET/8:45 PT to kick off Global Gaming Expo (G2E) 2021—the premier event for commercial and tribal gaming professionals.

“Our industry’s return to Las Vegas for G2E is a milestone in our recovery,” Miller said. “G2E 2021 is providing an essential platform for gaming leaders to highlight their latest products, conduct business, and drive our recovery forward.”

About the Outlook
The Gaming Industry Outlook is prepared on the behalf of the American Gaming Association by Oxford Economics. It provides a timely measure of recent growth and future expectations. The Q3 2021 release is the first release of the index, with a planned bi-annual release schedule moving forward. As additional data become available, particularly for the Gaming Executive Panel, the Gaming Industry Outlook will be further refined.

The Q3 2021 survey was conducted between August 16 and September 14, 2021. A total of 24 executives responded, including executives at the major international and domestic gaming companies, tribal gaming operators, single unit casino operators, major gaming equipment suppliers, and major iGaming and/or sports betting operators.