The Wall Street Journal recently dedicated some precious real estate – its front page – to an issue of great significance throughout the gaming world – the importance of a healthy gaming industry for the economic well-being of the U.S.
According to a subsequent statement from the American Gaming Association, the WSJ’s front page coverage sends a clear and compelling message to policymakers – embrace casinos as a mainstream business or risk losing jobs and crucial revenues.
AGA CEO Geoff Freeman said the article proves that voters are giving lawmakers at the state and federal levels the green light to act aggressively to support a robust casino industry and culture.
“Voters across the political spectrum view gaming more favorably than ever before, and they recognize that casinos are a mainstream form of entertainment and an economic driver that supports jobs and boosts growth in communities across the nation,” Freeman said in a written statement.
“Given increased regional competition and the unparalleled regulatory burden the gaming industry faces – casinos in one state pay six times more in taxes than any other business operating there – it should surprise no one that many casinos are struggling to compete,” he adds. “Simply put, the tax and torture model is unsustainable. While there’s no regulatory silver bullet that will level the playing field in every state, lawmakers should consider ways to strengthen their partnerships with gaming companies or risk losing crucial jobs and revenues that support vital public services.”
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