The American Gaming Association and Nevada Resorts Association are urging members of Nevada’s delegation to the U.S. Congress to educate to use the election cycle to educate their colleagues on the benefits gaming affords the country.
AGA President Geoff Freeman and Nevada Resorts Association President Virginia Valentine sent a letter to Nevada’s congressional delegation and state legislators asking them to educate presidential candidates on the thousands of jobs and economic activity supported by the gaming industry.
“As an elected leader in Nevada, you understand that casino gaming is the lifeblood of the state’s economy,” wrote Freeman and Valentine. “And as you engage with presidential campaigns and candidates, officially or otherwise, we urge you to impress upon them the importance of supporting gaming.
“Some candidates require more education than others, and you can play a tremendous role in this education process. No matter which candidate you prefer in the upcoming caucuses, each of them will boost their chances of winning the Silver State by taking a stand in support of gaming. Your counsel will play an important role in shaping candidates’ strategies and positions. We encourage you to take advantage of this chance to show your candidate the ins-and-outs of our dynamic industry and introduce them to the thousands of gaming employees who are also voters.”
The letters also warned of the danger of making off-the-cuff statements about Las Vegas, citing President Barack Obama’s comments just after taking office that companies should not waste money sending their officials to Las Vegas.
“As you know, decisions and comments from federal officials can negatively affect gaming—as well as Las Vegas overall and the hardworking Nevadans we employ,” the letter read. “For example, in a speech shortly after he took office, President Obama discouraged business travel to Las Vegas and other destinations—and his comments cost the industry hundreds of millions of dollars in the midst of the Great Recession.
“It’s our responsibility to get ahead of potentially harmful comments and policy proposals by ensuring elected leaders fully understand our business. At the end of the day, everyone in Nevada will benefit from a proactive approach.”
