AGA launches new toolkit to combat human trafficking in the industry as part of Prevention Month initiative

The American Gaming Association (AGA) has launched a new toolkit that provides resources for the gaming industry to spread awareness of anti-human trafficking. The latest effort builds off a guide published in June last year.

The new resource is also part of AGA's efforts for National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, which calls for industries across the country to reaffirm their commitment to protecting and empowering survivors of human trafficking, prosecuting traffickers, and bringing an end to human trafficking.

The new resources include communications materials, social media graphics, ways for gaming employees to participate, and additional programs and guides. It also features four weekly themes for the month to help focus industry activities:

• Jan. 1-7: Support Survivors 
• Jan. 8-14: Work with Law Enforcement
• Jan. 15-21: Unite with Travel Partners
• Jan. 22-31: Empower Employees
   

"The AGA and our Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force are deeply committed to advancing industry efforts in this space and upholding gaming's responsibility to communities in which we operate," said AGA in a statement.

The gaming industry is committed to preventing and combating human trafficking in all its forms.

Get involved in National Human Trafficking Prevention Month this January by downloading our toolkit ➡️ https://t.co/AdMHjrrJrh pic.twitter.com/juMBhohfWZ

— American Gaming Association (@AmericanGaming) January 5, 2023

"We have a moral and legal obligation to ensure that our customers and employees are in a safe environment acting of their own free will and to take meaningful steps to identify and prevent human trafficking," the association added. "Awareness, due diligence and training are critical to protecting vulnerable individuals and keeping criminal activities out of our industry."

The toolkit includes:

• Ways to Participate: The guide teaches about ways in which stakeholders can participate in spreading awareness on the issue.
• Key Messages: The guide can be used in written communications and talking points with key stakeholders. 
• Social Media Graphics: The guide contains graphics and sample posts that can be deployed on owned communications channels.

The American Gaming Association launched its Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force last year, with the aim to bolster the gaming industry's 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 in June 2022. “Through the Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force, we will continue to bring the industry together to defeat this evil and pervasive human rights offense.”

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.