American Gaming Association (AGA) President and CEO Bill Miller has issued a statement on COVID-19 stimulus efforts, imploring policy makers and leaders to help safeguard the livelihoods of gaming industry workers.
Opening his missive, Miller noted that in a matter of days, the US casino industry has gone from a growing, thriving segment of the US economy to a near standstill.
“We are witnessing a rapidly increasing number of our nation’s commercial and tribal casinos that have been shuttered, impacting 60% of all casino employees,” he said. “This will have a dire effect on the communities in which we operate across 43 states.”
In a call for action to assist those workers, he added: “As state governments close casinos as a part of the urgent public health response to COVID-19, elected leaders should move just as urgently to support the workers and businesses who will bear the brunt of those effects. Our immediate priorities are actions that provide liquidity to allow us to support employees.”
Miller was also keen to emphasize the need to look beyond the current difficulties posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, stressing that the gaming sector would play an integral part in the country’s recovery process.
He concluded: “Gaming is a resilient industry. As leading hospitality companies, we’re employers, supporters of small businesses, and economic engines. Once we’re through this crisis, we are committed to working with government leaders to play a critical role in reinvigorating communities across the country.”
