American Gaming Association Optimistic for US Gambling in 2021

The gaming industry experienced a mix of big wins and big losses throughout the trying 12 months of 2020.

For online casinos, it was a year of big wins, where land-based casinos, on the other hand, faced massive struggles.

The COVID-19 pandemic, lockdown, and other safety precautions were the largest influences on the industry.

Despite the massive ups and downs of 2020, the American Gaming Association is optimistic about the future ahead.

Alert 2021: A Year of Excitement

On 28 January 2021, the American Gaming Association (AGA) President and CEO Bill Miller, delivered a number of remarks regarding the future of gaming in Washington, DC. The talk revolved around policy developments, recovery, and the AGA’s priorities for the next few months.

Miller is confident that this year will be a good year and the main reasons for his optimism include vaccine distribution, the responsible reopening of casinos, and increased consumer confidence.

AGA president, Miller commented:

“As vaccines roll out, people will be excited to travel, hungry for entertainment, and desperate to get out and have fun again. That’s an environment where gaming will thrive.”

According to Miller, the best things to come will only be around the second half of the year. With AGA research showing about one in three American adults are planning trips to casinos during 2021.

According to 80% of future casino visitors, the industry has done a good job in terms of safely reopening.

More Details Recovery is a Primary Focus

For the AGA, the top priority on the gaming industry’s agenda is accelerating recovery. To do so, they will be focusing on securing additional COVID-19 economic relief while also developing gaming champions within the Biden administration and on Capitol Hill.

The additional economic relief will be sourced through temporary liability protections, supportive tax policies, additional tribal relief, and investment in travel and tourism.

Proprietary research and strategic communication efforts will be used to get the gaming industry heard. It should also help to block harmful policies while advancing specific reforms that can enhance the competitiveness of the industry.

Miller states that 2021 is not a year they’ve entered without planning or preparation. Instead, they are geared with a strong foundation, clear focus, and record levels of support from loyal customers who want to see the gaming industry perform at optimal levels.

Craps A Better Year of Gaming

Miller and the AGA team are optimistic of the future ahead believing it will be a thriving year for gaming.

The AGA CEO referenced three new resources released on the AGA website throughout his talk.

They include:

The AGA’s Accelerating Gaming’s Recovery priorities – which gives a detailed outline of the AGA’s priorities for 2021.
Casinos & Communities: COVID-19 Response – this sheds light on how the gaming industry supports communities, aids frontline workers, and provides insight on responsible reopening.
Miller’s letter to the 117th Congress – the letter highlights the AGA’s economic importance to the US economy and provides details on the federal policy agenda for accelerating recovery.

The COVID-19 pandemic took its toll on the gaming industry, with many casinos closing but the AGA is remaining positive with an optimistic outlook on the future of gaming.