AGA's new task force releases guide to combat human trafficking in the gaming industry

The American Gaming Association (AGA) released a new resource on Tuesday, Preventing and Combating Human Trafficking in the Gaming Industry, the first step from its newly founded Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force which aims to bolster the gaming industry efforts.

"The AGA, our members, and the entire gaming industry are committed to stamping out all forms of human trafficking," said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller. "Through the Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force, we will continue to bring the industry together to defeat this evil and pervasive human rights offense." 

Bill Miller, AGA President and CEO

In a press release issued Tuesday, the company stated that the guide builds on efforts by hospitality and nonprofit partners and the U.S. Departments of Homeland Security, Justice, and Treasury to guide the industry in applying anti-human trafficking practices including:

• Educating individuals on what constitutes human trafficking, the risks it poses to the gaming industry, and how to intervene.
• Empowering gaming employees to act when they notice human trafficking.
• Preventing human trafficking from occurring at—or being facilitated through—gaming operations.
• Addressing the specific needs of gaming executives as they institute anti-trafficking policies.
• Protecting patrons and employees from human trafficking.

The resource specifically addresses areas such as sex trafficking and forced labor; trafficking myths and realities; state and federal anti-trafficking laws and enforcement; anti-money laundering measures; and best practices for preventing, spotting, and responding to trafficking at commercial and tribal gaming operations.

"AGA members are actively applying anti-trafficking protocols today, including displaying property signage and training employees, partnering with shelters and nonprofits, and working with law enforcement," they stated.

"While many gaming companies already have robust anti-human trafficking policies, this guide will serve as an essential tool for the industry to assess and strengthen its current protocols," said Alex Costello, AGA's vice president, government relations. "Today's announcement marks the first step in the task force's ongoing work to enhance the gaming industry's anti-trafficking efforts."

Furthermore, the company explained that the task force will "continue to advance industry anti-trafficking efforts" in the coming months by co-hosting regional events, participating in educational sessions at Global Gaming Expo 2022, which will take place on October 10-13, and driving to-be-announced activations during National Human Trafficking Prevention Month in January 2023.

Comprised of AGA member executives with expertise in security, hospitality, anti-money laundering compliance, legal and other specialized sectors of the gaming industry, the AGA Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force's mission is to "develop robust casino-specific tools and guidance that are practical in their application to make progress against human trafficking in gaming."

Participating AGA member companies include Bally's Corporation, Boyd Gaming, Delaware North, FireKeepers Casino Hotel, GeoComply, MGM Resorts International, Penn National Gaming, Rush Street Gaming, Seminole Hard Rock, South Point Las Vegas, and Wynn Resorts.