The American Gaming Association (AGA) has begun offering a free online training program to educate gaming industry professionals on how to combat human trafficking.
The first-of-its-kind training, which was made available on National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, is offered in partnership with RG24seven Virtual Training, a service that provides responsible gaming education to employees across the industry. Nonprofit organizations and law enforcement also provided their expertise when developing the training program.
“Responsibility in gaming means more than promoting safer gambling — it means a commitment to all forms of customer and community safety,” said RG24seven CEO Wendy Anderson. “We’re honored to work with the AGA and advance the gaming industry’s efforts with the launch of today’s training.”
The AGA is taking additional steps to address the prevalence of human trafficking. The group has provided an industry toolkit in observance of National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. The toolkit features key messages, campaigns, and social media graphics to raise awareness.
The AGA will also have a presence at anti-trafficking events across the country. The events include those hosted by the University of Maryland’s SAFE Center and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Center for Countering Human Trafficking. The AGA will also be represented at a congressional briefing hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
AGA reports best third quarter for industry to date
The AGA reported record results in Q3 2023 for the U.S. commercial gaming industry.
The commercial gaming industry, which includes casinos and sports betting, generated $16.17 billion in revenue during the quarter — a 6% increase year-over-year. Operators throughout the industry paid $3.43 billion in gaming taxes in Q3 2023 — a 4.7% uptick compared to Q3 2022.
The AGA expects to report slower results for Q4 2023 but estimates FY2023 was a record year.
