Dear Gaming Colleague,
Our industry has much to be thankful for as we close out the year. We began 2021 cautiously optimistic about our continued reopening, and 12 months later, we’re celebrating the highest-grossing commercial gaming revenue year of all time.
I struggle to think of an industry hit so hard by the pandemic that recovered in such a compelling way. That’s a testament not only to our commitment to safety, but our resilience and unity as we faced the monumental challenges brought by the last two years. We should all be proud of how far we’ve come.
In 2021, the American Gaming Association’s (AGA) singular focus was to accelerate gaming’s recovery. Working together, we did that and so much more:
- Engaged champions on Capitol Hill and within the Biden Administration to block recovery-slowing policies like new taxes, support key initiatives like the reopening of international travel, and advance industry leadership on BSA-AML compliance.
- Educated regulators to drive payments modernization and support regulatory flexibility.
- Informed the media, policymakers and public through AGA’s proprietary research program such as the inaugural Gaming CEO Outlook; a comprehensive report on COVID’s impact on gaming in 2020; and reliable resources like the Interactive Sports Betting Map, Commercial Gaming Revenue Tracker and State of Play.
- Bolstered industry responsible gaming efforts through our Have A Game Plan.® Bet Responsibly.™ campaign, welcoming 16 new partners; successfully convened the industry during RG Education Week; and advocated for streamlined problem gambling resources.
- Stymied the illegal market by working with law enforcement and policymakers to root out illegal gambling machines, directly educating more than 75 reporters who cited offshore odds, and informing the FBI’s recently released public service announcement.
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- Safely reconvened at Global Gaming Expo (G2E) 2021 with more than 13,000 gaming professionals —an important milestone for the AGA, Las Vegas and the gaming industry.
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The AGA will continue to focus on gaming’s recovery in 2022 while also pursuing new and renewed efforts to champion responsibility in sports betting especially as it relates to advertising and marketing, showcase AGA member efforts on ESG issues, and advance policy priorities in Washington.
While I’m optimistic about what’s ahead for gaming, the AGA won’t let up as we face new challenges whether from the pandemic and new omicron variant or heightened policymaker interest leading up to the midterm elections.
I’m thankful for your continued support of the AGA and the opportunity to be a part of this great industry. On behalf of the entire AGA team, happy holidays to you and yours!
All the best,
Bill Miller
President & CEO
