G2E Interview with Geoff Freeman: Part 1

We were able to meet Geoff Freeman while attending the East Coast Gaming Conference in Atlantic City earlier this year. He agreed to answer questions prior to the G2E 2016. This will give you insight as to his vision and the initiatives of the American Gaming Association.

Geoff Freeman

1). What is your role as head of the American Gaming Association?

"We are the premier national trade group representing the $240 billion U.S. casino industry. It is

the mission of the AGA to be the single most effective champion of the industry, relentlessly

protecting against harmful and often misinformed public policies, and paving a path for growth,

innovation and reinvestment."

2). You have taken the AGA into a new direction over the past two years.What are your initiatives?

"AGA has taken great strides to build an inclusive, transparent organization that serves as an

unmatched advocate for the gaming industry. By speaking with one voice – which includes

commercial and tribal operators and gaming suppliers – we’re well-positioned to advance

industry priorities. We’re focused on shaping the perception of the industry through our Get to

Know Gaming public affairs campaign, which is aggressively highlighting how the industry

drives $240 billion in economic activity, supports 1.7 million jobs and generates $38 billion in

tax revenue. Further, through our Stop Illegal Gambling, Play it Safe initiative, we’re exposing

the harmful illegal gambling market that preys on consumers and siphons valuable tax dollars

from state and local governments. Among our other priorities are addressing the federal

government ban on sports betting, promoting the industry’s robust responsible gaming programs

and shaping a more favorable regulatory landscape that will encourage our members to reinvest

and innovate in gaming markets across 40 states."

3). Sports Betting was dealt a setback when New Jersey was denied in their attempt to

implement it. What do you see happening next?

"The nearly 25-year-old federal sports betting ban is failing, driving an illegal sports betting

market of at least $150 billion annually. Law enforcement, mayors, leaders in sports, fans and

now, state legislators, agree that it's time for a new approach to sports betting _– one that protects

consumers, communities and the integrity of sports we enjoy."

"The United States Conference of Mayors recently took a major step in support of rooting out the

thriving illegal market by unanimously supporting a resolution that seeks a new approach to

sports betting in the United States. The Conference of Mayors will work with AGA to lead

national discussions on the potential benefits of the regulated market and help identify platforms

to protect revenues of cities."

"Further, the National Conference of State Legislatures passed a policy directive in August that

asserts “the federal government must recognize the sovereignty of states to allow or to prohibit

sports gambling by its residents.”

Part Two of this interview will post tomorrow

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