The American Gaming Association (AGA) has published a new guide, Preventing and Combating Human Trafficking in the Gaming Industry, as part of its newly founded Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force which aims to strengthen the gaming industry’s efforts.
The guide adds to the efforts by hospitality and nonprofit partners and the US Departments of Homeland Security, Justice, and Treasury to help the industry in applying anti-human trafficking practices, including:
- Educating individuals on what constitutes human trafficking, the risks it poses to the gaming industry, and how to intervene.
- Empowering gaming employees to act when they notice human trafficking.
- Preventing human trafficking from occurring at—or being facilitated through—gaming operations.
- Addressing the specific needs of gaming executives as they institute anti-trafficking policies.
- Protecting patrons and employees from human trafficking.
“The AGA, our members, and the entire gaming industry are committed to stamping out all forms of human trafficking,” commented AGA President and CEO Bill Miller.
“Through the Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force, we will continue to bring the industry together to defeat this evil and pervasive human rights offense.”
The AGA notes that the guide specifically identifies areas such as sex trafficking and forced labor; trafficking myths and realities; state and federal anti-trafficking laws and enforcement; anti-money laundering measures; and best practices for preventing, spotting, and responding to trafficking at commercial and tribal gaming operations.
Anti-trafficking protocols are being applied by AGA members, including property signage displays and employee training, shelter and nonprofit partnerships, and law enforcement cooperation.
Alex Costello, AGA’s Vice President of Government Relations, added: “While many gaming companies already have robust anti-human trafficking policies, this guide will serve as an essential tool for the industry to assess and strengthen its current protocols.
“Today’s announcement marks the first step in the task force’s ongoing work to enhance the gaming industry’s anti-trafficking efforts.”
The Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force consists of AGA member executives with expertise in security, hospitality, anti-money laundering compliance, legal, and other specialized sectors of the gaming industry.
The task force’s mission is to develop robust casino-specific tools and guidance that are practical in their application to make progress against human trafficking in gaming.
Over the coming months, the task force will continue to advance industry anti-trafficking efforts by co-hosting regional events, participating in educational sessions at Global Gaming Expo 2022 in October, and driving to-be-announced activations during National Human Trafficking Prevention Month in January 2023.
Participating members include Bally’s Corporation, Boyd Gaming, Delaware North, FireKeepers Casino Hotel, GeoComply, MGM Resorts International, Penn National Gaming, Rush Street Gaming, Seminole Hard Rock, South Point Las Vegas, and Wynn Resorts.
