AGA

Keeping Our Word

Gaming’s recovery is well under way with momentum leading into 2022

by Bill Miller

Throughout this roller coaster of a year, we’ve endured Covid-19 concerns, supply chain disruptions and labor shortages, and widespread economic uncertainty. But through it all, the gaming industry remained resilient, united and determined.

At the beginning of 2021, the American Gaming Association set one overarching goal: accelerate gaming’s recovery. While there is still work to do, we are pleased with the results thus far. Commercial and tribal gaming are on track for the best year ever and suppliers’ sales pipelines are filling up. Our latest Gaming CEO Outlook shows industry leaders anticipate continued hiring, wage growth and new capital investment for both operators and suppliers into 2022.

In Washington, D.C., the AGA has delivered against our 2021 priorities. We have continued to develop industry champions in the Biden administration and new members in the 117th Congress. With an engaged Congressional Gaming Caucus, we have blocked harmful policies, including new taxes, while supporting Covid-19 priorities like the successful reopening of international travel.

The AGA pursued efforts to modernize the regulatory landscape with a specific focus on payments modernization in more jurisdictions.

Despite the challenges 2021 presented, we were “ able to bring more than 13,000 industry leaders together safely and successfully at G2E for the first time in two years. ”

Today, players in eight states and throughout tribal properties have access to payment choice on the casino floor. We also worked with law enforcement to target illegal gambling with gray market machines and sports betting.

The association’s role as a convener was on full display as many of us gathered in Las Vegas for Global Gaming Expo 2021. Despite the challenges 2021 presented, we were able to bring more than 13,000 industry leaders together safely and successfully at G2E for the first time in two years.

Finally, we advanced the sustainable growth of sports betting. Our promotion of the responsible expansion of sports betting through the “Have A Game Plan. Bet Responsibly” public service campaign is paying off with more than 20 partners and counting.

These efforts have helped accelerate our industry’s momentum. As we head into 2022, we’re going to continue our focus on bringing gaming back while building on this strong foundation to advancing new priorities, including:

• Championing responsibility in sports betting and engaging all stakeholders to address volume and content concerns related to sports betting advertising and marketing.

• Showcasing the commitment and leadership of AGA members in environmental, social and governance (ESG) efforts.

• Building industry champions on Capitol Hill and advancing policy priorities in Washington, D.C. by highlighting gaming’s importance to communities across the country.

• Growing AGA membership and aligning our diverse membership behind essential industry priorities.

We look to 2022 with significant momentum, optimism and strong confidence in our industry’s resilience—a key trait that will continue to see us through any challenge that may arise. Thank you for all your hard work to keep our industry strong.

Bill Miller is president and CEO of the American Gaming Association.