Bill Miller, the new president and CEO of the American Gaming Association, sent an introductory letter to the U.S. Congress providing an overview of the U.S. gaming industry and outlining the AGA’s policy priorities.
“Congress and the administration should ensure attention and resources are spent pursuing illegal operators,” he wrote of the priority with respect to the spread of legalized sports betting in the U.S. following last year’s U.S. Supreme Court decision eliminating the federal sports betting ban.
Miller also advocated allowing states and sovereign tribal nations to regulate sports betting, as they have successfully regulated gaming for decades. The AGA has fervently opposed any federal bills to regulate the activity.
“AGA has long been a leading advocate for eliminating the vast illegal sports betting market in the U.S., which lacks both the consumer protections and transparency found in a regulated marketplace,” Miller wrote. “To the extent that there is an acute need for federal involvement, Congress and the administration should ensure attention and resources are spent pursuing illegal operators that put consumers and the integrity of sports at risk.
“We look forward to working with you and federal enforcement agencies on this front. At the same time, AGA firmly believes additional federal regulatory oversight of legal sports betting is unwarranted at this time given the more than 4,000 dedicated public servants who already effectively regulate the commercial and tribal casino industry, including sports wagering.”
Miller also promoted a review of the current anti-money laundering (AML) framework to ensure a strong culture of compliance while alleviating unnecessary industry burden and supporting a corporate tax policy that encourages industry investment and lowers administrative time and costs.
The letter did not mention the recent U.S. Department of Justice memo reversing the federal stance on the 1961 Wire Act, a decision that has thrown a wrench into plans for online gaming and potentially sports betting.
