AGA's CEO addresses U.S. 2020 election results

Following Tuesday’s election that saw ballot initiatives legalize sports betting in Louisiana, Maryland, and South Dakota and expand casino gaming in Colorado, Nebraska, and Virginia, the American Gaming Association (AGA)  President and CEO Bill Miller issued a statement on the outcome of the election, the economic crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic, and its implications for the gambling industry in the U.S.

"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," Biller began.

Some form of legal gaming is currently authorized in 44 states, and more than 45 percent of American adults – 115 million – live in states with legal, regulated sports betting and the safeguards these markets provide.

"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," he continued. "The AGA will work with the bipartisan Congressional Gaming Caucus in the 117th Congress to ensure policymakers understand our industry’s commitment to responsibility and the positive economic impact we have in communities across the country."

Miller said the AGA also looks 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 the gaming industry."

"To effectively recover from the national economic crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic, 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," Miller added.

"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," he concluded.