AGA CEO Statement on the 2020 Election Results
American Gaming Association (AGA) President and CEO Bill Miller issued the following statement following Tuesday’s election that saw ballot initiatives legalize sports betting in Louisiana, Maryland, and South Dakota and expand casino gaming in Colorado, Nebraska, and Virginia:
“As a result of successful ballot measures in six gaming states, more Americans will have access to much needed job opportunities, dedicated tax revenue, and safe, regulated entertainment options closer to home.
“Some form of legal gaming is currently authorized in 44 states, and more than 45 percent of American adults – 115 million – live in states with legal, regulated sports betting and the safeguards these markets provide.
“Our industry has a long history of working successfully with federal and state governments that span party lines, and we look forward to our continued collaboration with champions in Washington, DC to shape a favorable policy environment for gaming.
“The AGA will work with the bipartisan Congressional Gaming Caucus in the 117th Congress to ensure policymakers understand our industry’s commitment to responsibility and the positive economic impact we have in communities across the country.
“We also look forward to continuing to work with members on both sides of the aisle to address overly burdensome and unnecessary regulations and taxes, as well as reducing illegal gambling operations that continue to pose a risk to the American public and the economic success of our industry.
“However, there remains an urgent need to address the national economic crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“To effectively recover, our industry needs critical relief that aids employee retention and rehiring, provides liability protections for responsible operators, supports tribal nations, and jumpstarts the travel and tourism industry. And we’ll continue to work with leaders in this Congress and the Trump administration to advance these immediate priorities.
“There has never been a more important time for the gaming industry to speak with a unified voice and common purpose. The AGA will continue to bring our industry together to work with policymakers, regulators, and all relevant stakeholders as we navigate gaming’s recovery—a recovery that is vital to communities across our nation.