By Bill Miller, President and CEO of the American Gaming Association
The U.S. gaming industry started the year with a promising outlook: Americans’
favorability toward gaming was at an all-time high, casinos reported year-over year visitation growth, and across the country, new states legalized sports betting as legislatures wrapped up their sessions. But as our industry prepared for a blockbuster March Madness, COVID-19 brought gaming to a complete standstill. Unprecedented government mandates closed all 989 commercial and tribal casinos in the country, impacting more than 650,000 direct gaming employees, 17,000 gaming supplier employees, and 350,000 American small business workers who are supported by the gaming industry.
In all, these closures endanger more than $74 billion in wages annually for our employees and their families. When our doors close, it deeply impacts every community where we operate. Casino gaming supports thousands of local small businesses and more than $41 billion in annual tax and tribal revenue sharing nationwide, which funds local hospitals, first responders, and essential public services. Our commitment goes beyond tax dollars, which is why gaming companies across the country are donating thousands of meals to local food banks, contributing millions of personal protective equipment to health care workers, and setting up emergency funds to support employees.
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