The American Gaming Association last week announced that it has added six new members—including three new board members—as the organization continues to grow and represent the totality of the casino gaming industry. Since January, overall AGA membership has increased by 50 percent, while the size of its board of directors has doubled.
The three new board members are Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, MotorCity Casino and Hotel, and Rush Street Gaming. Additionally, Cintas, Hewlett-Packard and VSR Industries have joined the AGA as general members.
“AGA has never been stronger or more inclusive than it is today,” said Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the AGA. “We’re proud to be providing incredible value through highly effective advocacy and leadership on a range of issues that matter most to the industry.”
AGA’s membership growth comes as a result of a significant shift in the organization’s membership and governance structure that took effect in late 2014, when tribal gaming operators, casino suppliers and allied members were invited to join commercial operators at the gaming industry’s big table.
New Board Members
Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority: The Authority operates Mohegan Sun in Southeastern Connecticut, adjacent to Uncasville, Connecticut. It also owns and operates Mohegan Sun Pocono and manages the Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City.
MotorCity Casino & Hotel: The Detroit casino opened in 1999 and features more than 2,900 slot machines, 59 table games, hotel accommodations, spa facilities, fine dining and live performance venues.
Rush Street Gaming: Leaders in operating regionally relevant, high-performing casinos in attractive gaming markets. The company manages or owns gaming properties in Illinois, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.
New General Members
Cintas: The Cincinnati, Ohio-headquartered company designs, manufactures and implements corporate identity uniform programs and provides entrance mats, restroom supplies, first aid, safety and fire protection products and services to casinos.
Hewlett-Packard: HP provides printing, personal systems, software, services and IT infrastructure for gaming companies.
VSR Industries: VSR specializes in the manufacturing and final installation of high security gaming locks, wood and metal slot bases, slot cabinets and custom fabrication.
In addition, the AGA also added a new staff member last week along with a consultant. The organization announced the hiring of Eloy Martinez as senior director of government relations, and the retention of former Nevada Congressman Steven Horsford as a strategic communications consultant who will help with corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts, including diversity and workforce development.
Martinez will work to advance AGA’s public policy, political and advocacy agendas. He will also work closely with congressional coalitions and caucuses on matters related to diversity and community and social responsibility.
“Eloy brings to AGA a wealth of experience and relationships from Capitol Hill,” said Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the AGA. “He will play a crucial role in forming new coalitions and in educating elected officials about the strong community partnerships we’ve developed—and our role as an economic engine – in 40 states across the country.”
“I’m excited to get to work building more champions for an industry that provides a path to the middle class for hundreds of thousands of workers,” said Martinez. “Members of Congress and staffers on Capitol Hill have taken note of the new AGA as an incredibly effective, smart and proud advocate for the gaming industry, and I look forward to further advancing AGA’s strategic goals.”
Martinez, a Texas native, spent the last seven years working on Capitol Hill, principally in the U.S. Senate. Most recently, he served as director of outreach and as staff director for the Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee under the leadership of Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid (D-Nevada) and Senate Chairs Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota) and Mark Begich (D-Alaska).
Horsford formed R&R Resources+, an independently-owned Minority Business Enterprise. The agency consists of a team of professionals who specialize in strategic communications, brand management, public relations, social media, media planning and placement, as well as workforce strategy and CSR. The firm maintains offices in Prince George’s County, Maryland; Washington, DC; and Las Vegas, Nevada.
“Congressman Horsford will play a key role in guiding our efforts on diversity and CSR both within the industry and as we educate elected officials about the opportunities we provide to people of all backgrounds and experiences,” said Freeman.
“Diversity and equal opportunity are critical to the success of the casino gaming industry,” said Horsford. “I look forward to helping to shape CSR policies and practices employed by gaming companies and ensuring policymakers know that casinos are good corporate citizens.”
