AGA responds to new gambling approvals in US elections

Three states voted to legalise sports betting and a further three voted in favour of expanding gambling on the November ballot.

US.- The American Gaming Association’s president, Bill Miller, has released a statement on the results of the 2020 US election, during which gambling was put to vote in several states.

Voters in Louisiana, Maryland and South Dakota backed sports betting on their November ballots, while Colorado, Nebraska and Virginia voted in favour of projects to expand gambling.

Miller said: “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.

“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.

“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.

Miller also raised concerns over the effect the Covid-19 pandemic has had on the industry as a whole. He has previously urged the government to offer tax relief and other forms of financial assistance to casinos and their employees.

He said: “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.”