AGA writes open letter to Democratic candidates
The Democratic primary debate took place yesterday and AGA’s CEO and President wrote an open letter to the party’s candidates.
US.- The elections in the US are just a few months away, and the political parties are getting ready to pick their candidates. With a new government comes legislative changes, and that is why Bill Miller, President and CEO of the American Gaming Association (AGA), wrote an open letter to the Democratic candidates, ahead of the primary debate that took place yesterday.
“The upcoming Democratic primary debate presents an opportunity for you to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the casino gaming industry, an economic juggernaut in Nevada and increasingly across the country,” said Miller. “Today’s gaming industry is not only a great source of entertainment, but also an economic driver, community partner, and major taxpayer in 43 states. We are a $261 billion industry that is so much more than the casino floor,” he added. “As president of the trade group representing the U.S. casino industry, I have seen first-hand the deep engagement and impact we have in communities across America.”
“Gaming generates US$40.79 billion in taxes to local, state, and federal governments for infrastructure, education, and other needed investments. We are also the rare exception in an era of bidding wars with expensive incentives and tax breaks to attract businesses. When gaming enters a new market, whether with a new property or a new offering like legalized sports betting, the industry does so without subsidies and pays significant taxes for the privilege. We’re adding to, not subtracting from, the bottom line.”
“When gaming arrives, people immediately notice the stereotypes they’ve heard don’t match reality. We support 1.8 million American jobs, offering an opportunity for a rewarding career and upward mobility. Our diverse workforce (4-in-10 gaming employees are people of colour) is also growing.”
“Through careers in gaming, our employees raise families, pay tuitions and mortgages, and contribute their time and money to make the communities they call home better places to live and work. I constantly hear of employees who started as dishwashers, housekeepers, or dealers and worked their way up to executive chefs, management, or corporate offices We strengthen small businesses. In fact, casinos purchase more than US$3 billion in goods and services from small businesses annually and by extension, support 350,000 small business jobs. I’ve had the opportunity to meet some of our small business partners: a florist whose company is thriving because 70% of her business now comes from the casino; the owner of a produce company on the brink of closing that became a US$40 million company after gaming came to town; or the cleaner who expanded her company from four to 32 employees as the result of her work with the gaming industry.”
“The more business owners, local leaders, and community members know of the gaming industry, the deeper and broader our support becomes. Nearly half of American adults expect to visit a casino in the next year and attitudes towards gaming among the American public have never been more positive. Close to 90 per cent of Americans see gaming as a mainstream entertainment option. Part of that is driven by the industry’s clear commitment to responsibility. From ensuring all patrons have the tools they need to engage in our offerings in a responsible manner to the innovative approaches our properties bring to sustainability efforts, responsibility is integrated into all that we do.”
“The gaming industry is a sophisticated industry hidden in plain sight. As candidates make their case to Nevadans and the country, I hope they will also use their visit to the Silver State to learn more about the gaming industry and the significant contributions to our nation’s economy, the quality jobs it sustains, and the exciting entertainment experience we provide to millions of Americans.”
