An important tool used by regulators, media and gaming industry professionals to better understand the complex gaming regulatory landscape has received a major update with the addition of Tribal gaming policies and regulations that cover 28 states.
The American Gaming Association’s (AGA) By the Book, a first-of-its kind resource that allows stakeholders to easily compare key facts about the regulatory environment in each of the 24 commercial casino states, has expanded to include Class III Tribal gaming states.
Streamlined Access to Gaming’s Rules of the Road
The online tool, which first launched last year as part of AGA’s Get to Know Gaming campaign, is accessible through an interactive, easy-to-use map on GamingBytheBook.org. The resource aggregates and explains in-depth the regulatory and statutory requirements for the gaming industry in five key areas: regulatory oversight; licensing; taxation; responsible gaming; and integrity.
By the Book culls the most important details from state and Tribal compacts in 28 states. It focuses on the various policies that guide Class III gaming to ensure integrity, encourage responsible gaming and maximize economic contributions.
Further, this database will help us identify duplicative and inefficient regulations and statutes and will help us to advocate for better policies and regulations that will allow gaming companies to innovate, reinvest and create jobs.
Also reflected in By the Book is updated 2014 economic impact data for commercial casinos across 24 states.
Representing the Totality of the Industry
In January, AGA, which seeks to represent the totality of the industry in all of its campaigns, initiatives, advocacy and resources, opened its doors to Tribal gaming companies for the first time in the organization’s 20-year history. Seminole Hard Rock Gaming and Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority have led the way among Tribes.
Gain Insight Quickly and Easily
The tool enables an efficient understanding of the industry’s detailed and complex regulations across the country – making available information that would otherwise only be accessible through state records.
The interactive database of statutes and regulations include the following key issues:
- Regulatory Oversight: Features relevant information regarding each state’s governing body;
- Licensing: Addresses requirements that operators, suppliers or employers need to fulfill in order to do business in a particular state;
- Taxation/Revenue Sharing: Details the various gaming tax rates and revenue sharing;
- Responsible Gaming: An important component of the industry, this section details funding requirements for problem gambling awareness education, self-exclusion rules, alcohol service rules and advertising restrictions; and
- Integrity: Details many of the requirements that ensure our industry remains a hallmark for integrity and transparency.
Working Toward Next Generation Gaming Policy
In 2016, AGA will continue to play a crucial role in highlighting the complex regulatory landscape the casino gaming industry and regulators often navigate, and the addition of Tribal gaming information to By the Book makes it an invaluable resource for a wide range of stakeholders.
As we work to modernize regulations and remove barriers to innovation as part of our Next Generation Gaming policy, please explore this resource and share your feedback with us. As always, thank you for your support and engagement.
