The American Gaming Association’s (AGA) Board of Directors has named Bill Miller as its next president and chief executive officer, effective January 14, 2019, following a comprehensive search and selection process.
During his tenure as senior vice president at the Business Roundtable (BRT), Miller helped grow the organization’s brand and advocacy footprint in Washington, leading the association’s outreach to Capitol Hill and the Administration.
In a statement from the AGA, Miller noted: “I am honored to join a team with a well-earned reputation for advancing the casino gaming industry’s legislative and communications priorities and addressing the issues that matter most to its members. Much to the AGA’s credit, this is a remarkable time for gaming in America. The industry is growing, acceptance of gaming as mainstream entertainment has never been higher and the opportunities to continue to advance gaming’s agenda are abundant. I am eager to help lead the industry in this next era.”
A broad, seven-member search committee was formed to identify a new president in June. It was led by Tim Wilmott, CEO of Penn National Gaming and Chairman of the AGA Board of Directors.
Said Wilmott: “Bill’s extensive work with federal policymakers and as a seasoned leader of membership and industry advocacy organizations was critical to our decision. He joins a successful organization at a time when our industry is enjoying great momentum, thanks in part to a major policy achievement – the ending of the federal sports betting prohibition. On behalf of the AGA Board, I am excited to welcome Bill to the team.”
He added: “The Board is extremely thankful for the leadership of Stacy Papadopoulos and Sara Slane, and the commitment of the entire AGA team during this period of transition.”
The AGA’s syndicated statement concluded: “With senior level experience at leading business groups and trade associations including BRT and the US Chamber of Commerce, Miller joins the AGA at a time when the gaming industry is growing both in size and popularity. The May 2018 Supreme Court ruling overturning the federal ban on sports betting was a landmark policy achievement for the industry. Revenue grew in 20 states with commercial casinos in 2017 and the commercial gaming industry as a whole brought in $40.3bn in gaming revenue, while tribal casinos tallied $32.4 billion in total gaming revenue.”