American Gaming Association (AGA) President and CEO Bill Miller delivered an upbeat missive this week addressing the future of gaming’s recovery, policy developments for gaming in Washington DC, and the association’s priorities for the year ahead.
Updating association members and the media, he cited vaccine distribution, responsible reopening, and consumer confidence as reasons for optimism in the coming year.
“There’s huge pent-up demand for gaming – and I’m upbeat about the second half of the year in particular,” he said. “As vaccines roll out, people will be excited to travel, hungry for entertainment, and desperate to get out and have fun again. That’s an environment where gaming will thrive.”
The President went on to cite AGA research showing that one-in-three American adults plan to visit a casino in 2021 – the highest rate since the AGA began tracking last March. Eighty percent of future casino visitors agree the industry has done a good job at safely reopening, he noted.
Miller also emphasized that the AGA’s singular agenda in 2021 is to accelerate the gaming industry’s recovery. Four areas of focus were highlighted, first of which was securing additional COVID-19 economic relief for the industry through temporary liability protections, investment in travel and tourism, supportive tax policy, and additional tribal relief.
The second goal is to develop gaming champions on Capitol Hill and in the Biden administration, while thirdly blocking harmful policies and advancing specific reforms to enhance industry competitiveness. Lastly, he said the AGA would be using proprietary research and strategic communication efforts to ensure the gaming industry is heard.
He concluded: “We come into 2021 with a strong foundation, a clear focus, record levels of support among Americans, and a loyal customer base that wants the excitement only gaming can deliver.”
