WASHINGTON – The Oklahoma casino gaming industry supports more than 75,000 jobs statewide and has an annual economic impact of $9.8 billion, the American Gaming Association (AGA) announced today at a Get to Know Gaming event hosted in Oklahoma City, OK, following a reception yesterday in Tulsa, OK.
AGA’s Get to Know Gaming tour aims to engage local leaders about gaming’s role as a community partner in 40 states across the country. Thursday’s roundtable panel at the Petroleum Club Event Center included members of Congress, Rep. Tom Cole (OK-04) and Rep. Kendra Horn (OK-05); Chickasaw Nation Secretary of Commerce Bill Lance; Choctaw Nation Senior Executive Officer Janie Dillard; Cherokee Nation Dep. Attorney General Chrissi Nimmo; and AGA President and CEO Bill Miller. Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell moderated the discussion.
Today’s event also marked the release of AGA’s latest report, Casinos & Communities Oklahoma, an in-depth look at how the gaming industry supports local communities. According to the research, Oklahoma’s gaming industry supports 75,885 jobs and $4.3 billion in wages in the state. The full report can be viewed here.
“For nearly three decades, sovereign tribal nations and gaming companies have been engines of growth and opportunity in the state of Oklahoma, creating partnerships with local organizations, supporting small businesses and providing good jobs for workers of all backgrounds,” said Bill Miller, President and chief executive officer of the American Gaming Association. “Today, we’re pleased to spotlight how the relationships between Oklahoma’s tribal nations, elected officials, small business owners and community leaders serve as a model of success for states around the nation.”
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.
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GLI
“We endeavor to be a welcome part of our host communities, and we understand that to achieve that objective, we must be mindful, active stewards of our core values and the values of the communities in which we work and live. As a Company, we pursue four key areas of corporate social responsibility, and we also empower our employees to engage in initiatives on their own. Our four-pronged approach to ESG includes: Community Relations, Education, Green Initiatives and Diversity & Inclusion.” – James Maida, CEO
Advancing Sustainability
Reducing Resource Consumption and Waste
Global Laboratories International (GLI) understands that the environment is the heart of our world. GLI engages in green initiatives throughout its global network of offices. For example, at its world headquarters, a top-to-bottom examination of the entire building led to reductions in power usage and paper consumption.
In each of its offices, GLI promotes recycling and seeks out vendors and products with a greener composition.
GLI donates electronic waste and obsolete equipment to the Urban Renewal Corp who repurposes or recycles this equipment to support programs helping the poor and homeless in New Jersey.
Lowering Carbon Emissions
GLI is actively involved in energy savings programs like Demand Response and Synchronized Reserve. GLI also created green-friendly tools for our clients, such as GLILink, Point.Click.Transfer and Point.Click.Submit, which eliminate paperwork and reduce carbon emissions by eliminating physical shipping of devices and systems.
Recently, energy savings improvements have been made to GLI’s corporate headquarters, including high-efficiency HVAC units, interior and exterior LED lighting, energy saving window tint and automatic-off light sensors.
Strengthening Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Strengthening Employee DEI
GLI is increasing recruitment of women and minorities by placing job postings on minority and women’s interest job boards, encouraging all employees to refer qualified applicants and requesting employment agencies, when utilized, to refer qualified minorities and women.
GLI also offers counseling to assist employees in identifying promotional opportunities, training and educational programs to enhance promotions and opportunities for job rotation or transfer.
A GLI affirmative action officer has been assigned to ensure the effective implementation of the organization’s affirmative action program.
STEM Internships for Women and Minorities
Using techniques to improve recruitment and increase the number of minority and female applicants, GLI has initiated a new STEM internship for women and minorities. To drive participation, GLI met with universities with strong female STEM groups, as well as the American Indian Science and Engineering Society for indigenous student internships in Las Vegas and Colorado.
Investing in Communities
Addressing Critical Community Needs
GLI is honored to support nonprofit organizations in our host cities worldwide. In the U.S., GLI supports local chapters of numerous health-related organizations, including the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association.
Because GLI believes that no one should go hungry, the Company supports local food banks, pantries, and organizations such as the Salvation Army. GLI also supports a neighboring Behavioral Health Center Building Fund, where local residents receive free mental health screenings and care regardless of health insurance status.
GLI’s employees understand the importance of giving back and participate in various local events, including holiday food and toy drives, blood drives throughout the year, the United Way Day of Caring in Las Vegas, and various volunteer opportunities with local nonprofits.
Expanding Education and Career Opportunities
GLI World Headquarters in NJ participates in an annual career day and is host to high school students for career and networking events.
GLI-AGEM Lasting Impact Philanthropic Initiative
GLI’s dedication to upholding responsibility in the gaming industry prompted a new philanthropic partnership – The GLI-AGEM Lasting Impact Philanthropic Initiative. Created by the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) and GLI, the multi-year effort is designed to identify worthy causes that will utilize direct contributions to flourish over the long term. The partnership contributes to causes with a lasting impact inside the gaming industry and beyond. From 2019-2020, GLI-AGEM donated $200,000 to the Dr. Robert Hunter International Problem Gambling Center.
Responsible Leadership
Establishing and Following Rigorous Business Standards
GLI realizes that as an independent testing lab, we test to ensure the integrity of the games themselves, so the integrity of the gaming industry is part of our culture and core values. We understand the importance of responsible gaming awareness and our role in delivering that message.
GLI is qualified by the World Lottery Association (WLA) to conduct WLA Responsible Gaming Independent Assessor audits and has completed numerous audits for lotteries and suppliers around the world.
Training Employees
GLI has created specialized seminars and free training courses for casino employees on responsible gaming through GLI University. In addition, GLI University stages annual regulator roundtable events and conducts regulator seminars as well as regional trainings tailored to individual clients’ needs, where responsible gaming awareness is key to the conversation and partnership.
Native American War Memorial
GLI’s ties to Indian Gaming go back to the Company’s early days. Since that time, the relationships have continued to grow, and in 2018, GLI President James Maida was honored with OIGA’s Modern Day Warrior Award in recognition of his more than 20 years of dedication to the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association.
GLI and AGEM were presented with a chance to honor Native American war veterans by contributing to a memorial in Washington, D.C. The Lasting Impact Philanthropic Initiative donated $120,000 to the National Museum of the American Indian’s Native American Veterans Memorial. Drawing 24 million visitors annually, this memorial is a poignant monument and honors American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian veterans. It symbolizes the country’s respect for Native Americans’ service and patriotism.
Stop Illegal Gambling
Unlike legal operators, illegal operators also don’t pay a dime in taxes, robbing state and local governments of more than $13 billion in tax revenue each year.
On this page, you will find the latest figures on the size and scope of the illegal market, along with details on how consumers, industry members and allies, and media can combat illegal operators.
Did You Know
Legal casino gaming and sports wagering—both online and in-person—are activities that millions of Americans enjoy each year. Illegal gambling operators, however, are also pervasive across the country, posing as legal operators to prey on consumers.
These illegal and unregulated operators exist online in the form of slick websites based outside of the U.S. or can be found in brick-and-mortar locations like convenience stores and strip malls as devices that mimic legal slot machines.
While legal gaming operators comply with strict regulatory and testing requirements and invest hundreds of millions of dollars annually in responsible gaming, illegal operators offer no guarantee of fair odds or payouts nor provide consumer protections or responsible gaming measures. And because illegal operators work outside of the law, players have no legal recourse when these operators disappear with their money.
As a consumer, it’s critical to be able to spot the difference between legal and illegal gambling operators and know the pitfalls of playing illegally. That’s why the American Gaming Association encourages players to Have A Game Plan and play legally and responsibly.
Resources
For Members & Industry Allies
Illegal Market Research
The AGA released an independent assessment of the size of the illegal and unregulated markets.
Regulator Playbook
The AGA has developed a playbook for state gaming regulators to use their authority and enforcement power against illegal offshore websites.
To spur action in our fight to shut down illegal actors, we’ve created a new communications toolkit to ensure our industry speaks with one voice, delivering consistent messaging about the harm illegal gambling creates and why it must be stopped.
We’ve designed these resources to help the industry consistently communicate and support your engagements on this important topic.
Our Stop Illegal Gambling Toolkit includes:
- Key Messages: Use these to guide all written communications and talking points with key stakeholders.
- Fact Sheets: Share these in your meetings with elected leaders and regulators and send them to local law enforcement partners, reporters and others.
- Social Media Content: Deploy these graphics and use our sample posts on your owned communications channels.
- Research: Share the report in your meetings with regulators, policymakers, law enforcement and other key stakeholders.
For Media
When credible news outlets cite odds or publish advertising from illegal gambling websites, they misguide consumers by lending legitimacy to illegitimate operators. The Department of Justice has also warned that media outlets that accept advertising dollars from illegal operators could be liable for aiding and abetting criminal activity. Avoid promoting illegal gambling websites by only citing and partnering with legal U.S. sportsbooks.
Legal, Regulated Sportsbooks in the U.S.
| Atlantis Race and Sports App B-Connected Sports Bally Bet Bet365 BetFred betJACK Betly BetMGM BetMonarch betPARX Betr BetRivers Betsafe BetSaracen Betway Borgata Online Caesars Sportsbook Circa Sports ClutchBet Crab Sports Desert Diamond DraftKings ESPN BET Fanatics Sportsbook FanDuel FireKeepers Four Winds |
Golden Nugget Sportsbook Hard Rock Bet MVGBet OaklawnSports PlayEagle Prime Prophet Exchange Q Sportsbook Resorts NJ Resorts WorldBET Smarkets (SBK) South Point/Rampart Sports App Sports Illustrated Sportsbook/888 SportsBook RI Sporttrade STN Sports SugarHouse Superbook Tennessee Action 24/7 TI Sports Tipico Underdog Sportsbook Unibet Wagr WynnBet ZenSports |
For press inquiries, contact the AGA communications team.
It’s been one year since the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), the failed federal ban on sports betting.
At the American Gaming Association (AGA), we’ve made it a priority to understand how the expansion of legal markets affects consumers, operators, governments, leagues and other stakeholders.
Check out the one pagers on the right of this page for AGA’s top research on sports betting and an infographic showing all of the progress from the past year.
Global Gaming Expo (G2E) is back to reunite the industry. As the premier event for commercial and tribal gaming professionals, G2E will help you make meaningful connections, discover cutting-edge technology, and experience innovative content. Whether in-person or virtually, you’ll want to be part of the G2E experience.
AGA Member Benefits
As a member of the American Gaming Association, you receive exclusive G2E benefits. Make sure to take advantage of these benefits and experience all that G2E 2021 has to offer.
Not sure you’re a member? Review the current AGA member list here. To access AGA member benefits, make sure to use your work email when registering.
Health and Safety
Your health and safety is our top priority. To support a productive and safe show, G2E 2021 will require proof of a COVID-19 vaccination and face coverings. Review our full health and safety guidance to learn more about how we’re preparing a safe on-site experience.
Vaccination Verification Process
$849 Advance Pricing
All Access Pass
$524 Advance Pricing
Single Day Education Pass
Free Advance Pricing
Expo Hall Pass & Virtual Pass
Operator & Ally Members
Platinum Club
AGA member companies are allotted two individual memberships to this exclusive VIP program that connects casino operators and decision-makers from around the world. Members receive benefits ranging from private lounge access to personalized exhibitor recommendations.
Supplier Members
G2E Education
Join gaming industry professionals at G2E and get a glimpse into the future of gaming. G2E’s education program is curated by the industry for the industry, providing actionable insights relevant to today’s trends and operating realities.
WASHINGTON – On Monday, the American Gaming Association (AGA) released a white paper highlighting the dangers of unregulated, illegal gambling machines proliferating across the U.S. These illegal gambling machines are not subjected to meaningful testing, licensing or regulatory standards and are often tied to criminal activity, including money laundering, drug trafficking and violent crime.
Highlights of the white paper, Skilled at Deception: How Unregulated Gaming Machines Endanger Consumers and Dilute Investments in Local Economies, include:
- Illegal gambling machines do not undergo the same stringent regulatory requirements the legal gaming industry meets, including a licensing process, game testing and reporting and responsible gaming – nor are they monitored to ensure fair play for customers. Unregulated machine operators also lack training in responsible gaming, potentially luring children and those with problem gambling behaviors to use these machines.
- Recent raids of illegal gaming machines have been tied to drug trafficking, gang activity, violence and have also been linked to several major organized crime families.
To combat the spread of illegal machines, the report recommends:
- Law enforcement and policymakers need to prioritize robust enforcement of laws to root out illegal and unregulated gaming machines.
- States and communities must not authorize these machines and continue to erode regulations and permit unnecessary consumer risk.
- Businesses should actively remove illegal and unregulated games on their properties.
The regulated gaming industry and law enforcement communities share concerns about the threat illegal gambling machines pose to communities.
“History has taught us that unregulated gambling gives rise to an array of legal and social concerns and ultimately erodes public confidence in the safety and integrity of the whole gaming industry,” said Arizona Attorney General and former Director of the Arizona Department of Gaming Mark Brnovich.
“Legal gaming provides immense benefits to the communities it serves – and operating with a gaming license is a privilege that our industry takes seriously,” said AGA Vice President of Government Relations and Gaming Policy Counsel Jessica Feil. “Unfortunately, there’s been a rapid increase of unregulated gaming machines that exist in the shadows, taking advantage of loopholes and flouting the law, with little to no oversight. These machines ultimately endanger consumers and communities, fueling problem gambling and crime while drawing important tax revenue away from states.”
Background
Maintaining the integrity of the gaming industry and continuing to benefit our communities is a top priority of the AGA. Casino gaming is now a legal, regulated industry in 44 states, generating over $261 billion in economic impact and $41 billion in direct tax revenue, supporting more than 1.8 million jobs nationwide. Illegal gambling machines have been found in dozens of states and continue to bypass these laws and regulations, harming communities and consumers nationwide.
WASHINGTON – American Gaming Association (AGA) President and CEO Bill Miller outlined his optimism for the gaming industry’s recovery in AGA’s annual State of the Industry address today at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) 2020.
Miller heralded the industry’s ability to rebound stronger than ever throughout his remarks. “Gaming’s continued innovation, coupled with our deep-rooted culture of compliance, have our industry on solid ground as we continue our recovery.”
Miller pointed to new AGA research showing that more Americans view gaming positively than ever before as evidence of a strong foundation for the industry’s recovery. Fifty percent of American adults have a favorable impression of the casino industry, up five points in two years. Additionally, 9 in 10 (89%) adults view gambling as an acceptable form of entertainment.
“We have built this support over many decades,” said Miller. “As gaming has grown from two states in 1978 to 44 states today, more and more Americans have gotten to know us…They recognize the positive impact we deliver: The jobs we support; the small businesses we sustain; and the tax revenue we contribute…These are the reasons Americans have embraced gaming and they will fuel gaming’s recovery.”
Miller highlighted AGA’s three priorities to unite the industry and aid gaming’s recovery:
- Building Champions on Capitol Hill: Working alongside the Congressional Gaming Caucus to advance the industry’s legislative goals, including further COVID-19 economic assistance, tax relief, and liability protections.
- Payments Modernization: Advancing payments modernization will accelerate gaming’s modernization, help limit the spread of COVID-19, and give consumers new tools to gamble responsibly.
- Growing the Legal Sports Betting Market: Supporting the expansion of legal, regulated sports betting through responsible gaming and strong regulatory frameworks is essential to driving out the illegal marketplace.
2020 marks the 25th anniversary of the AGA: “While COVID-19 may have shifted our plans, we never lost our focus. If anything, the pandemic has elevated AGA’s role as the leading advocate for the American gaming industry. No matter how big the challenge, we have always worked hard to help this industry overcome it. And I’m confident we can do it again.”
View the full schedule for G2E 2020, held Oct. 27-28, here.
AGA President and CEO Bill Miller sent the following industry update on June 12, 2020.
Our industry is on a steady path to recovery as more than 60 percent of America’s casinos have reopened, with many reporting higher-than-anticipated demand. It was certainly a highlight for me to see the doors open in Las Vegas, the heartbeat of American gaming, last week.
Today’s economic realities were hard to imagine even a few short months ago before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Looking at the numbers, 2020 was shaping up to be a tremendous year. U.S. commercial gaming revenue was up 10.6 percent in January and February 2020 over the same period in 2019.
These early 2020 numbers were carryovers from a markedly successful 2019, the fifth consecutive year of growth for gaming. Gaming’s expansion in 2019 is the focal point of the American Gaming Association’s (AGA) State of the States 2020. The annual report details the commercial gaming industry’s financial performance for the previous year, including analyses of the 25 states with commercial gaming operations. Notably, 2019 marked the fifth consecutive year of commercial gaming revenue growth, up 3.7 percent, to $43.6 billion.
The successes detailed in this year’s report are in stark contrast to where we are today. But it is also a great reminder of the significant role gaming plays in shoring up local and state economies and supporting the jobs and careers of nearly two million Americans. As mandated closures continue to let up, gaming will be pivotal to a quick and sustained recovery for our communities, our employees, and our customers.
Throughout the pandemic, it’s been the AGA’s commitment to keep you updated with the latest in Washington as well as to provide analysis and resources to help you navigate new business needs. Please find more details on State of the States as well as the latest resources below.
All the best,
Bill Miller
President & CEO
Record Year for Gaming Reinforces Industry’s Role as Economic and Community Driver
State of the States 2020 is the definitive economic analysis of the U.S. commercial casino industry and its significant economic impact in the 25 U.S. states with commercial gaming operations. Key findings include:
- Commercial gaming revenue topped $43.6 billion in 2019, up 3.7 percent from 2018.
- 21 of 25 commercial gaming states experienced year-over-year revenue increases, with Massachusetts (+163.1%), New Jersey (+19.5%), and Arkansas (+15.1%) reporting the largest jumps.
- The industry generated $10.2 billion in gaming taxes for state and local governments, enough to support the annual education cost for 832,000 elementary and secondary school students.
You can find the full State of States report on AmericanGaming.org as well as the companion State of Play map, which provides the report findings in an easy-to-use, interactive tool.
Next Relief Package Stalls on Capitol Hill
Formal negotiations on the next relief package have yet to begin as Senate Republicans continue to take a wait-and-see approach on the economy reopening and continuing implementation of CARES Act programs. Current activity suggests discussions could pick up in late June or early July, however, the timeline could be impacted by several factors including pressure from the Paycheck Protection Program exhausting funds, rising unemployment/expiring unemployment benefits, the start of many State fiscal years (July 1), and finding agreement on liability protection. As we await action on the next package, the AGA continues to stay engaged with our allies in the business community and on the Hill to ensure the legislation reflects our policy priorities including liability protection and expanded tax relief.
Nearly 60 Percent of U.S. Casinos Open
621 casinos across 29 states will be open for business today, 62.8% of the 989 total. This includes 306 commercial casinos (65.8% of total) and 315 tribal properties (60.1% of total). Indiana, Colorado, Ohio, and Maryland are the next states to allow reopening in the coming week.
To prepare for a safe, responsible reopening, casino operators have been rethinking every aspect of the gaming experience and establishing robust protocols to safeguard the health of guests and employees. The AGA’s new Responsibility Reopening Casino Gaming for Employees and Guests resource provides an overview of various practices that gaming companies are implementing to promote a healthy reopening environment.
March 16, 2018
(PRESS RELEASE) — The American Gaming Association (AGA) announced today that it has added six new companies as Board-level members, welcoming BMM Testlabs, Choctaw Casinos and Resorts, Golden Entertainment, GVC Holdings PLC, Paddy Power Betfair and The Stars Group to the AGA Board of Directors.
“More than ever before, AGA’s diverse membership reflects the broad interests of the casino gaming industry,” said Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of AGA. “Adding these six industry leaders will help our ability to serve as an effective advocate for the industry as a whole, and we’re excited to add their expertise to our Board.”
BMM Testlabs: BMM Testlabs is a highly experienced private independent gaming testing laboratory working in the gaming industry globally for over 36 years.
Choctaw Casinos and Resorts: Owned and operated by the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Choctaw Casinos & Resorts feature a variety of gaming, hotel and resort properties throughout southeastern Oklahoma.
Golden Entertainment: Golden Entertainment, Inc. owns and operates gaming properties across two divisions – resort and casino operations and distributed gaming. The company operates approximately 16,000 gaming devices, 114 table games and 5,162 hotel rooms, and provides jobs for more than 7,200 team members.
GVC Holdings PLC: GVC Holdings PLC is a multinational sports betting and gaming group. GVC is a constituent member of the FTSE 250, with its shares traded on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange. GVC is licensed to operate in New Jersey through bwin.party.
Paddy Power Betfair: Paddy Power Betfair is one of the world’s leading sports betting and gambling operators, formed from the 2016 merger of Paddy Power and Betfair Group PLC.
The Stars Group: The Stars Group is a leading provider of technology-based products and services in the global gaming and interactive entertainment industries. Through its Stars Interactive Group gaming division, The Stars Group ultimately owns gaming and related consumer businesses and brands, including PokerStars, PokerStars Casino, BetStars and Full Tilt.
In addition to joining as a Board-level member, BMM Testlabs and AGA have entered into a multi-year strategic alliance to provide the AGA and its members value through increased engagement and expertise sharing on regulatory issues. BMM has been a long-standing AGA member and actively engaged on AGA’s Sports Betting Task Force and Next Generation Gaming Policy Working Group. Through this strategic relationship, BMM will play a greater role in helping to support AGA strategic priorities, including driving an efficient regulatory reform process and supporting policies that promote industry reinvestment and innovation.
“We’re excited to be working more closely with the AGA and its membership to help advance industry priorities like regulatory reform,” said BMM Global President and CEO Martin Storm. “As our industry seeks to learn more about these new opportunities, we look forward to educating key stakeholders, including regulators, legislators, suppliers and operators across the global gaming landscape.”
Original Article: http://www.casinocitytimes.com/news/article/american-gaming-association-adds-six-new-members-224805