Bill Miller, President and CEO of the American Gaming Association (AGA), has written an introductory letter to Congress providing a brief overview of the gaming industry and outlining the policy priorities it hopes to work with members of Congress from both parties to advance.
Several key policy areas were highlighted in the missive, including federal approach to the newly legalized sports betting sector. Miller advocated growing legal sports betting by directing federal attention to illegal sports betting operators that put consumers and the integrity of sports at risk, while allowing state and sovereign tribal nations to build on their proven record of successfully regulating gaming without federal involvement.
He went on to suggest a review of the current anti-money laundering (AML) framework to ensure a strong culture of compliance while alleviating unnecessary industry burden and supporting a corporate tax policy that encourages industry investment and lowers administrative time and costs.
Specifically on sports betting, Miller wrote: “AGA has long been a leading advocate for eliminating the vast illegal sports betting market in the US, which lacks both the consumer protections and transparency found in a regulated marketplace. To the extent that there is an acute need for federal involvement, Congress and the Administration should ensure attention and resources are spent pursuing illegal operators that put consumers and the integrity of sports at risk.
“We look forward to working with you and federal enforcement agencies on this front. At the same time, AGA firmly believes additional federal regulatory oversight of legal sports betting is unwarranted at this time given the more than 4,000 dedicated public servants who already effectively regulate the commercial and tribal casino industry, including sports wagering.