AGA releases guide to address human trafficking in gaming industry

June 28, 2022 3:51 PM
  • Rege Behe, CDC Gaming Reports
June 28, 2022 3:51 PM
  • Rege Behe, CDC Gaming Reports

The American Gaming Association Tuesday releasedPreventing and Combating Human Trafficking in the Gaming Industry.  The guide is the first step in bolstering industry efforts through the newly founded AGA Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force.

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“The AGA, our members, and the entire gaming industry are committed to stamping out all forms of human trafficking,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller in a statement. “Through the Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force, we will continue to bring the industry together to defeat this evil and pervasive human-rights offense.”

The guide builds on efforts by hospitality and nonprofit partners, as well as the U.S. Departments of Homeland Security, Justice, and Treasury, to guide the gaming industry on increasing anti-human-trafficking practices, including:

  • Educating  individuals on what constitutes human trafficking, the risks it poses to the gaming industry, and how to intervene.
  • Empowering  gaming employees to act when noticing human trafficking.
  • Preventing  human trafficking from occurring at, or being facilitated through, gaming operations.
  • Addressing  specific needs of gaming executives as they institute anti-trafficking policies.
  • Protecting  patrons and employees from human trafficking.

The resource specifically addresses such areas as sex trafficking and forced labor; trafficking myths and realities; state and federal anti-trafficking laws and enforcement; anti-money laundering measures; and best practices for preventing, spotting, and responding to trafficking at commercial and tribal gaming operations.

AGA members can apply anti-trafficking protocols by displaying property signage and training employees, partnering with shelters and nonprofits, and working with law enforcement.

“While many gaming companies already have robust anti-human trafficking policies, this guide will serve as an essential tool for the industry to assess and strengthen its current protocols,” said AGA Vice President, Government Relations Alex Costello. “Today’s announcement marks the first step in the task force’s ongoing work to enhance the gaming industry’s anti-trafficking efforts.”

The AGA Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force’s mission is to develop robust casino-specific tools and guidance that are practical in their application to make progress against human trafficking in gaming. Participating AGA member companies include Bally’s Corporation, Boyd Gaming, Delaware North, FireKeepers Casino Hotel, GeoComply, MGM Resorts International, Penn National Gaming, Rush Street Gaming, Seminole Hard Rock, South Point Las Vegas, and Wynn Resorts.

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