This week American Gaming Association (AGA) CEO Bill Miller outlined the advocacy body’s plans for the coming year. They follow in brief summary:
Effective law enforcement must be a focus for the AGA. Unlawful operators – such as illegal sportsbooks or unregulated gambling machines – are a threat to the industry. But what is the answer to these predatory operators? More regulations, better enforcement and a bigger market for legal sports betting. Advertising, Miller notes, is important for ensuring that people are drawn to regulated sportsbooks rather than illegal ones. The industry should continue to take action to promote people betting through regulated companies.
Miller moved on to matters of ethics: in the corporate world, there are different standards to which companies are held today. Groups working in the industry will be doing themselves a favor if they abide by well-intentioned abbreviation, ESG: environmental, social and governance. With social justice more important among consumers than ever before. Gaming can and should be a leader here, says the CEO. In this area, the group held an audit of industry players last year the findings of which it intends to act on in 2022.
Finally, ridding the industry of out-of-date tax regimes and regulations are a priority. The Sports Betting Excise Tax, for instance, will continue to leave legal operators at a disadvantage unless it is removed. Similarly, the AGA is working on Capitol Hill to increase the Slot Tax Reporting Threshold, a tax dating back to the 1970s and one that has lost its use. Strengthening anti-money laundering measures will also be helpful to the industry.
Miller finished with a note of optimism for the year ahead: "2022 will be another great year for gaming. Topping 2021’s historic growth won't be easy but, as a united industry, we can build on our momentum, seize the opportunities in front of us, and take on any new challenges that may emerge.”
