WASHINGTON – The Small Business Administration (SBA) released revised regulatory guidelines today that permit size-eligible small gaming entities to participate in the Paycheck Protection Program. American Gaming Association President and CEO Bill Miller released the following statement on the updated regulations:
“In the nearly one month since the CARES Act was enacted to provide economic relief to blunt the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Gaming Association and our allies have fought tirelessly to correct the Small Business Administration’s antiquated policy that precluded gaming companies from qualifying for loans through the Paycheck Protection Program. We are pleased that the new regulatory guidelines released today make small gaming companies eligible for this critical program just as Congress has replenished its funding.
“I’m grateful to President Trump and his administration for recognizing that commercial and tribal gaming industry employees deserve the same support available to other small businesses, and for the significant, sustained efforts of members of Congress to amplify the need for changes to the guidelines to get small gaming operators and their employees through this challenging time.”
AGA President and CEO Bill Miller sent the following industry update on March 11, 2020.
Like many of you, the American Gaming Association (AGA) is paying close attention to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, which has created uncertainty for the gaming industry and economy broadly.
Last month, we led a deliberate and inclusive process with AGA members and through close consultation with the Macau and U.S. government made the decision to postpone G2E Asia to July 28-30, 2020. The Macau gaming market plays a vital role in the global gaming industry, and is essential to the interests of U.S. operators and suppliers. We will continue to support efforts as Macau returns to full capacity.
As COVID-19 impacts increasingly hit closer to home, we are communicating with administration (CDC, Office of the Vice President) and Congressional leaders, including the Congressional Gaming Caucus. In these ongoing discussions, we continue to reiterate the need for gaming’s inclusion in any economic stimulus being considered. We are also communicating back to policymakers the steps that our members are taking to ensure customer health and safety. We convened a call yesterday with more than 50 government relations representatives from AGA’s membership to gauge priorities in any stimulus action, and we will work diligently to preserve industry interests over the coming weeks and months.
We have engaged and will continue to engage other industry associations as the implications of this evolving health crisis continue to affect our part of the broader hospitality industry. I have personally been in direct, daily coordination with travel and hospitality industry association CEOs to make sure our voice is represented among the broader travel industry. Yesterday, the AGA joined those organizations to encourage Americans to follow expert advice and make fact-based decisions about traveling.
Because this is a rapidly evolving situation, we will share more frequent updates to help you stay informed on the latest efforts and resources available.
AGA President and CEO Bill Miller sent the following industry update on March 11, 2020.
Like many of you, the American Gaming Association (AGA) is paying close attention to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, which has created uncertainty for the gaming industry and economy broadly.
Last month, we led a deliberate and inclusive process with AGA members and through close consultation with the Macau and U.S. government made the decision to postpone G2E Asia to July 28-30, 2020. The Macau gaming market plays a vital role in the global gaming industry, and is essential to the interests of U.S. operators and suppliers. We will continue to support efforts as Macau returns to full capacity.
As COVID-19 impacts increasingly hit closer to home, we are communicating with administration (CDC, Office of the Vice President) and Congressional leaders, including the Congressional Gaming Caucus. In these ongoing discussions, we continue to reiterate the need for gaming’s inclusion in any economic stimulus being considered. We are also communicating back to policymakers the steps that our members are taking to ensure customer health and safety. We convened a call yesterday with more than 50 government relations representatives from AGA’s membership to gauge priorities in any stimulus action, and we will work diligently to preserve industry interests over the coming weeks and months.
We have engaged and will continue to engage other industry associations as the implications of this evolving health crisis continue to affect our part of the broader hospitality industry. I have personally been in direct, daily coordination with travel and hospitality industry association CEOs to make sure our voice is represented among the broader travel industry. Yesterday, the AGA joined those organizations to encourage Americans to follow expert advice and make fact-based decisions about traveling.
Because this is a rapidly evolving situation, we will share more frequent updates to help you stay informed on the latest efforts and resources available.
WASHINGTON – The American Gaming Association (AGA) has added four new senior-level staff members, furthering the association’s success in serving its members and the rapidly evolving gaming industry: Cait DeBaun, senior director of strategic communications; Jessica Feil, senior director of government relations; Meredith Pallante, senior director of events; and Gabrielle Voorhees, senior director of finance.
“There’s never been been a more exciting time to be a part of the gaming industry, and our ability to attract this level of talent reflects that,” said Bill Miller, president and CEO. “These four, high-caliber professionals represent a broad array of experience and talent that will be an asset to our industry and our members day in and day out.”
Cait DeBaun, senior director of strategic communications
DeBaun develops and leads AGA’s integrated communications strategies to promote the social and economic value of the $261 billion U.S. casino gaming industry. Previously, she served as the director of communications for Project: Time Off at the U.S. Travel Association and led national social change efforts for federal government campaigns at Ogilvy Public Relations. DeBaun and her work have been recognized by PR News, Public Relations Society of America, Washington Women in PR, and the American Society of Association Executives.
Jessica Feil, senior director of government relations
Feil advocates for AGA’s objectives and goals in state legislatures and regulatory bodies around the country. Before joining AGA, she was an associate at a boutique DC-based law firm, where she specialized in litigation, regulatory compliance, and licensing for gaming companies and worked with iDEA Growth. Feil was recently named to the Emerging Leaders of Gaming: 40 Under 40, Class of 2019-2020.
Meredith Pallante, senior director of events
Pallante brings more than a decade of experience in event creation and operations to her new role overseeing the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) brand and portfolio of events: G2E Las Vegas and G2E Asia. Prior to joining AGA, she led domestic and international events at the Consumer Technology Association, including managing CES Keynote logistics and partnerships. She previously oversaw international and domestic trade show operations for the Association for Manufacturing Technology.
Gabrielle Voorhees, senior director of finance
As a licensed CPA, Voorhies oversees AGA’s financial operations and human resources department. She has three decades of defense contracting and nonprofit experience having held positions at Electronic Data Systems and SAIC, and most recently at IPMA-HR, a public safety association.
These additions compliment organizational changes announced earlier this summer, reflecting AGA’s enhanced focus on industry modernization, communications, and advocacy. Other recent additions to AGA’s growing team include Will Dennis, manager of strategic communications; Audra Hill, executive assistant; Brandon Leggiero, manager of government relations and PAC director; and Mirvantz Pierre, finance and operations coordinator.
Key findings include:
State of the States 2019: The AGA Survey of the Commercial Casino Industry, is the American Gaming Association’s (AGA) signature research report and the definitive economic analysis of U.S. commercial casino industry and the significant economic impact it has in the 24 U.S. states with commercial gaming operations.
For each of the 24 jurisdictions, the report analyzes gaming revenue and gaming taxes generated by commercial casino locations for the calendar year 2018. In addition, the report provides an overview of the primary competition faced by casinos in each state and summarizes the year’s major gaming policy discussions.
WASHINGTON – Today, the American Gaming Association released the following statement commending Reps. Dina Titus (NV-01) and Darin LaHood (IL-18) for asking the U.S. Treasury Department to raise the threshold for reporting slot tax winnings from $1,200 to $5,000.
According to federal regulation, when a casino patron wins a slot machine jackpot of $1,200 or more, the machine is temporarily taken out of production while the patron is required to complete a W-2G tax reporting form. While slot jackpots have steadily increased with inflation over the past several decades, the $1,200 threshold that triggers the issuance of tax forms has remained static since it was established in 1977. A $1,200 jackpot in 1977 would be equivalent to more than $5,000 today if adjusted for inflation.
Because the threshold hasn’t tracked with inflation, there has been a significant increase in the number of reportable jackpots, causing more operational inefficiencies and adding to the sea of W-2G forms currently flooding an underbudgeted and understaffed IRS each year.
“Casinos are the only businesses that must take their assets out of production to comply with their tax information reporting obligations. The current federal regulations on reporting slot machine winnings have been outdated for decades, creating inefficiencies, paperwork and unnecessary hurdles,” said Bill Miller, president and chief executive officer of the American Gaming Association. “The gaming industry strongly supports the efforts of Reps. Titus and LaHood to update the antiquated threshold for reporting slot machine winnings while relieving associated burdens for casinos, their patrons and the IRS alike.”
In a February 6, 2019 letter to Congress, Miller listed raising the current slot tax reporting threshold to $5,000 as one of AGA’s top priorities for the 116th Congress.
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.
Anti-Human Trafficking
The American Gaming Association and the gaming industry are committed to combating human trafficking in all its forms.
The American Gaming Association and the gaming industry are committed to combating human trafficking in all its forms. By educating employees and guests about its most common indicators, and by working with law enforcement and other partners, casinos can and will make an impact in eradicating this form of modern-day slavery.
The AGA Anti-Human Trafficking Task force is comprised of member representatives with expertise in security, hospitality, anti-money laundering compliance, legal and other specialized sectors of our industry.
New Anti-Human Trafficking Training
In partnership with RG24seven, the AGA launched a first-of-its-kind training to educate gaming industry employees on how to combat human trafficking.
Available to all gaming companies beginning today, the free training is based on AGA’s Guide to Preventing and Combating Human Trafficking and draws on expertise from AGA’s Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force, nonprofits and law enforcement.
The training uses videos, quizzes and expert voices to educate participants, who will receive a verified certificate upon successful completion. To request organization-wide access to the training, gaming company executives, managers and other representatives should contact .
Industry Toolkit: National Human Trafficking Prevention Month
Join the gaming industry this January in recognizing National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Our industry toolkit includes:
- Social Media Graphics
- Key Messages
- Additional Resources
Resource Guide: Preventing and Combating Human Trafficking in the Gaming Industry
Traffickers take advantage of legitimate industries and supply chains to find, exploit and traffic victims. This is especially true for the travel and tourism industry—including casino gaming. Human trafficking may be linked to other illegal enterprises such as narcotics or firearm trafficking, terrorist organizations and money laundering.
The AGA recognizes the gaming industry has a moral and legal obligation to ensure that our customers and employees are in a safe environment acting of their own free will, and to take meaningful steps to identify and prevent human trafficking. Awareness, due diligence, and training are critical to protecting vulnerable individuals and keeping criminal activities out of our industry.
Casino gaming is one of the most highly regulated industries in the U.S., with more than 4,000 state and tribal regulators dedicated to overseeing all forms of gaming, including electronic gaming machines. The recent growth of unregulated machines across the country raises concerns including lack of testing, consumer protections, responsible gaming measures, and ultimately deprivation of legitimate gaming operations and economic impacts, as described by AGEM and the AGA*.
Join G2E Insider LIVE for a fresh perspective on combating unregulated gaming machines. Discussion will touch on effective ways to collaborate with law enforcement, policymakers, and regulators on this essential priority, while also educating consumers on how to identify and protect themselves against illegal machines.
*https://agemonline.org/factsheet.pdf
Speakers:
Rick Kalm, Executive Director, Michigan Gaming Control Board
Ed Davis, CEO, Edward Davis LLC Security and Management Consulting, former Boston Police Commissioner
Kevin Mullally, Vice President, Government Relations & General Counsel, GLI
Moderator: Jess Feil, Vice President, Government Relations and Gaming Policy Counsel, AGA
Nominations Now Open for the 33rd Annual Gaming Hall of Fame
For more than 30 years, the Gaming Hall of Fame has recognized leaders who have distinguished themselves through significant contributions to the gaming industry. Consider nominating a leader that has helped the industry succeed for this highest honor.
The deadline for nominations is Friday, May 27.
Nomination Process
Nominations for the 2022 Gaming Hall of Fame are open through Friday, May 27 at 11:59 PM ET and must include nominee’s full name, mailing address, email address, and an entry detailing why they should be inducted using 500 words or less.
Hundreds of qualified candidates are reviewed by an independent panel of gaming executives who select the annual Hall of Fame class. Inductees are chosen based upon their career achievements, community involvement, and innovative contributions to the industry. Inductees will be notified and announced in late summer 2022.
The 2022 inductees will be honored at the invite-only Chairman’s Reception featuring the Gaming Hall of Fame Ceremony at G2E Las Vegas on October 11, 2022.
WASHINGTON – The American Gaming Association (AGA) today launched AGA Elevate, a new education program focused on providing value to the gaming-entertainment industry, and opened registration for AGA Elevate’s inaugural event, AGA Elevate | Lead – Adapt to Win.
The first AGA Elevate event will take place on Monday, August 13, 2018, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Las Vegas, and will focus on leadership development. Led by author, consultant and executive coach Dr. Mary C. Kelly, the event will help attendees better foster adaptive capacity to improve business efficiency and profits.
AGA Elevate follows the fourth pillar of AGA’s 2020 Strategic Plan, which aims to leverage the power of the industry to build member value beyond advocacy. The innovative education program will offer face-to-face and virtual opportunities to engage in critical business topics:
- Grow: Emerging trends, business growth and development and new or potential market expansion opportunities for the industry;
- Innovate: Opportunities to maximize operations through technology;
- Lead: Essential leadership and professional skills; and
- Respond: Crisis management and emergency preparedness.
“AGA Elevate is a first-of-its-kind program that will address current industry trends while raising the profile on issues that impact the future of the gaming industry, including human rights, robotics, emotional intelligence and payments solutions,” said Allie Barth, vice president of industry relations of AGA.
For more information about AGA Elevate | Lead – Adapt to Win, click 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.
Membership
Members join the American Gaming Association for influence, insights, and connections.
Our Industry Game Changers
We’re proud to represent the full spectrum of the legal, regulated gaming industry, ensuring every voice has a seat at the table. Our diverse membership spans the entire ecosystem of gaming, including commercial and tribal casino operators, suppliers, sports betting operators, and others shaping the future of the industry.
The Power of Membership
Members join the American Gaming Association for influence, insights,
and connections.
Membership Advantages
Our members benefit from exclusive research and data, communications tools, and networking and learning opportunities with industry peers to more effectively pursue shared interests and business opportunities.
Market Data
Exclusive research with actionable insights
- We empower members to enhance their business and improve their ability to proactively plan by providing exclusive, members-only research. Membership means always having the best information available.
- Members can also leverage the AGA’s experienced research team by requesting custom data and other research support
Industry Influence and Collaboration
An established network of customers and policymakers
- Crafting Policy Positions – Through board and committee participation, members define and craft industry positions on crucial issues.
- Connect at Member-Only Events – Members enjoy exclusive opportunities to engage with industry peers and build valuable relationships, deepening vital C-level connections across the gaming industry.
- Access to the AGA’s Experts – Members can access business-critical insights into government relations, research, compliance, state and regulatory affairs, gaming policy and public affairs
G2E
The AGA’s flagship event, with 25,000+ attendees
- Members as Thought Leaders – As co-owners of G2E, we prioritize and encourage our members to submit topics and speakers for the education program.
- Savings – Members are eligible to receive significant savings as both attendees and exhibitors.
- The AGA Member Lounge – An exclusive space for high-level conversations and deal-making
Market Data
Exclusive research with actionable insights
- We empower members to enhance their business and improve their ability to proactively plan by providing exclusive, members-only research. Membership means always having the best information available.
- Members can also leverage the AGA’s experienced research team by requesting custom data and other research support
Industry Influence and Collaboration
An established network of customers and policymakers
- Crafting Policy Positions – Through board and committee participation, members define and craft industry positions on crucial issues.
- Connect at Member-Only Events – Members enjoy exclusive opportunities to engage with industry peers and build valuable relationships, deepening vital C-level connections across the gaming industry.
- Access to the AGA’s Experts – Members can access business-critical insights into government relations, research, compliance, state and regulatory affairs, gaming policy and public affairs
G2E
The AGA’s flagship event, with 25,000+ attendees
- Members as Thought Leaders – As co-owners of G2E, we prioritize and encourage our members to submit topics and speakers for the education program.
- Savings – Members are eligible to receive significant savings as both attendees and exhibitors.
- The AGA Member Lounge – An exclusive space for high-level conversations and deal-making
Membership Types
With coordinated effort, AGA continues to seek ways to better represent the legal and regulated gaming industry, strengthening our industry’s voice, and providing learning and networking opportunities with industry peers.
Core Membership
AGA core members are commercial and tribal casino land-based and online operators and gaming suppliers licensed to operate in the United States. Core members benefit from our exclusive research and insights, relationship-building and networking opportunities, and cost savings and discounts on AGA’s flagship event, G2E.
Ally Membership
AGA’s ally membership program connects businesses both inside and outside the gaming industry to AGA’s core membership of casino operators and suppliers. We foster relationships between core and ally members to help increase industry engagement and support shared business objectives.
Our Impact
With membership representing every corner of the gaming industry, AGA serves as the industry’s champion across the country by advocating on complex issues that individual members cannot change alone.