The forthcoming National Council of Legislators from Gaming States Summer Meeting might seem like a gathering of policy wonks and government officials.
But a look at the conference through a wider lens reveals an agenda that closely mirrors the concerns of the gaming industry. NCLGS President Shawn Fluharty says the organization has increasingly tried to be more in step with critical issues that affect operators, manufacturers, and patrons.
“When I took over as president (in 2024), my goal was to bring NCLGS to the mainstream,” Fluharty says. “I want to talk about what journalists in the industry are talking about, what the industry leaders are talking about. … Nine times out of 10, you can take that back to legislative action.”
The conference, scheduled for July 17-20 at Rivers Casino Pittsburgh, features four days of panels and discussions on topics ranging from igaming and responsible gaming to sports betting. One of the main goals of the conference is to help states find common ground, despite jurisdictional variances in regulations.
“NCLGS serves as a mechanism for collaboration, to learn from fellow legislators in other states and regulators,” Fluharty says. “New Jersey’s been a leader in this space and they’ve been a leader in collaboration and communication with other states. What we’re trying to do with NCLGS is to say that those who are progressing in the Northeast can talk to legislators and regulators in the South who aren’t moving as quickly, so when they do move, they’re moving the right way. That’s kind of the goal here, to get all those people in one room.”
Fluharty expects at least 150 officials and legislators from across the country to attend the NCLGS Summer Meeting. That might sound like a small number, but the figure includes many major decision makers from across the country, with participants from the majority of U.S. jurisdictions where gambling is legal, including high-ranking representatives and senators.
“Our members not only have the ability to cast a vote, but they also, in leadership, have the ability to put bills on the agenda,” Fluharty says.
Speakers at this year’s gathering include Kevin O’Toole, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board Executive Director, and David Rebuck, the former director of the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement.
Noting his background as an attorney, Fluharty, who also is the minority whip of the West Virginia Legislature, says such speakers serve as witnesses to the efficacy of good governance. “And there are no better witnesses to speak about best practices than those who have been on the ground the longest working in the industry.”
For an issue such as responsible gaming, it’s important that legislators get the best information possible.
“If you’re a new state coming in or a state that’s been operating for years, you have an obligation to make sure you’re keeping up with the newest technology and learning, so you’re properly protecting your constituents,” Fluharty says.
With operators seeking to increase profit margins and suppliers constantly developing new gaming experiences, change in the gaming industry is constant. Fluharty notes that legislators are the gatekeepers of the gaming industry’s progress.
“I don’t care what you’re trying to do in the industry. At the end of the day, it requires movement on the legislative side before it happens and it requires the votes, with legislative champions on these bills,” Fluharty said. “It’s not easy to get bills passed. It’s a very hard task.
“What we’re doing is equipping these legislative champions with the best practices. Whether it’s a good idea or bad idea, we want the people who have been on the ground, who’ve learned firsthand, to essentially be the professors, if you will, of how things should be done. And then our members can take that back to their districts and apply those best practices.”
