Dear Gaming Colleague:
I’m excited to head to Las Vegas in just a few weeks for my first Global Gaming Expo (G2E) as the new president and chief executive officer of the American Gaming Association (AGA).
G2E is truly a must-attend event. Having attended once before, I’ve been looking forward to returning to the premiere gathering of the global gaming industry for some time.
It will be an exciting few days exploring new products and gaming innovations on the expo floor, taking in the phenomenal roster of speakers and educational content, and meeting industry leaders to discuss today’s industry opportunities and the critical issues we’ll face in the future.
But what I’m most looking forward to is the opportunity to meet so many of you and share our vision for the future of the industry. At AGA, we are dedicated to creating an environment where gaming can thrive and realize its full potential as an exciting entertainment option for millions of Americans and a source of economic growth in the communities that gaming calls home.
Last year, commercial casino gaming marked its fourth consecutive year of growth, with more than $41.7 billion in economic impact. Tax revenue, reinvested into local communities, also grew to a record-breaking $9.7 billion. Tribal gaming produced yet another record-setting year with total gaming revenue topping $32 billion in 2017.
The more than 40 states that now allow commercial or tribal casino gaming are evidence of the industry’s growing popularity across the country, particularly as the legalization of sports betting has brought our offerings to new states that had previously never offered casino gaming.
As we look to build the future of gaming, AGA is focused on three priorities that will feature prominently during G2E:
- Sports betting has been a major factor powering our industry’s growth over the past 18 months since the Supreme Court’s ruling on PASPA. With roughly 20 states having legalized sports betting, it’s more important than ever that we get sports betting done right. G2E’s Sports Betting Symposium will explore regulatory and industry developments surrounding this new landscape and the massive opportunities ahead, giving attendees new tools to ensure this new market in the United States is rolled out in a thoughtful and responsible manner.
- Positive public attitudes toward our industry are essential to creating an environment where gaming continues to thrive. AGA is focused on translating public sentiment—acceptance of our mainstream form of entertainment is at an all-time high—into political capital. Such efforts include demonstrating how seriously we take our responsibility to the communities that welcome us as partners, whether it is through our role as a leading employer or advancing measures that put responsible gaming at the forefront of all that we do. This year’s show features a robust lineup of topical education sessions that address our industry’s many commitments in these areas.
- Finally, there are opportunities for modernization that allow the industry to operate more effectively, give customers the gaming experience they want and support regulators’ oversight function. When you consider the fact that casino gaming is one of the last cash-based businesses, we have ample room to grow. At this year’s show, we are putting a spotlight on several of the innovators in fintech who are working to bridge the gap between consumers’ expectations around payment choice and what they currently encounter on the casino floor.
G2E is an incredible platform to showcase all that the gaming industry offers. Thank you for the opportunity to represent you and help set the table for what will be an incredible few days in October. I look forward to meeting you.
