American Gaming Association CEO Geoff Freeman thanks operators and industry players

In a press release posted on the AGA website this week, CEO Geoff Freeman talked about the 'momentous week' for the gaming industry as the United States Supreme Court struck down the failed Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) of 1992, and thanked operators and gaming partners in their joint endeavor to provide the greatest value to the industry. 

"This victory would not have been possible without the commitment and leadership of members like you. I believe it also proves what can be accomplished when we unite and work together to help grow gaming, focusing on what’s best for the entire industry," wrote Freeman. 

Moreover, AGA commented on the multi-year campaign led to strike down PASPA, touting the benefits of a legalized, regulated sports betting market. Our strategy relied on four key elements:

Strong Industry Alignment: Through the Sports Betting Task Force, we led a transparent process to establish our industry’s position and drive member value;

Two-Track Strategy through the Courts and Congress: We developed congressional champions to support our position, filed an amicus brief that was cited by the Supreme Court in its ruling and helped to organize 20 other states that filed a separate amicus brief in support of New Jersey;

Original Research, Aggressive Communications: Our research garnered national media attention and our strategic communications shaped public perception to support legalizing and regulating sports betting; and

Broad Stakeholder Support: Through our American Sports Betting Coalition, law enforcement officials, states rights' advocates, policymakers and industry leaders touted our position.

Below are three critical areas AGA mentioned as bullets to bear in mind in the endeavor to provide the greatest value to the industry in this next phase:

1) Assist the Development of Sound State Public Policy: We stand ready to work with you, serving as an expert resource in states considering legalization.

2) Lead Industry Efforts to Identify Common Cause with Leagues: Partnering with leagues can increase speed to market, create consistency across states and eliminate the illegal market. But any arrangement must work for gaming and, wherever possible, be based in contract rather than statute.

3) Prevent Harmful Federal Policy: States are effective gaming regulators. There is no need for federal intervention, especially in shaping a business relationship between sporting bodies and gaming companies.