The American Gaming Association has ostensibly fired up its public relations machine, as we are starting to read and hear a substantial amount of news about the AGA’s efforts to support the legalized expansion of online gambling in the United States.
According to a new report from venerable political blog The Hill, the American Gaming Association has “brought on a flurry of new staffers and public affairs firms” in recent weeks.
Geoff Freeman, the AGA’s president and chief executive, said bulking up in staff and consulting are part of his plan to create a more aggressive casino trade association that can operate outside of the Beltway.
“It’s part of a big shift that we are making. We are becoming a more proactive group that is working to define the image of the gaming industry. It’s less about legislation and more about defining the image of this industry, not in just Washington but in the states as well,” Freeman tells The Hill in the same report.
Among the most high-profile hires is Jim Messina, President Obama’s 2012 campaign manager. The trade group is counting on the Messina Group to help organize grassroots campaigns to help support of online gambling.
“We have hired Messina to work on grassroots initiatives. Online gaming is one of those. Jim is as politically astute as they come and he will be a great resource for us,” Freeman added.
The U.S. Congress is expected to take up the debate of legalized online poker and gambling this year.
Join the Conversation