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American Gaming Association
MGCB Executive Director Meets with Flint City Officials to Discuss Ways to Combat Illegal Gaming
In an effort to combat illegal gaming activities, Michigan Gaming Control Board Executive Director Henry Williams recently met with Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley and State Rep. Cynthia Neeley (D-Flint) to discuss strategies to help deter and crack down on illegal gaming operations in the city.
During their August 29 conversation, the officials also talked about the impact of storefront casinos and illegal gaming on residents and how such establishments are a nuisance for the city, tarnishing the reputations of regulated, legitimate gaming establishments.
“As a regulator, it’s important to me to have face-to-face conversations with area leaders so that we can share our knowledge and gain a more comprehensive understanding of illegal gaming issues, especially from their local perspective. I look forward to working with Mayor Neeley on the city’s efforts to prevent individuals from reopening a place of business under a new name in a location that was previously cited for illegal gaming operation concerns, minimize risks to his community from such establishments, and help protect Flint residents from harm,” Williams said.
A week before the leaders’ meeting, the MGCB seized 50 gambling devices and $13,260 in suspected gambling proceeds on August 23 from an alleged illegal storefront casino that was operating under the name of The Flint Arcade, located at 3301 Corunna Road in Flint. Authorities had previously conducted a raid at the same location a year earlier, on Aug. 18, 2022, when the MGCB investigated suspected illegal gambling at The Cellular Vault. That search yielded 43 computers used for gambling and $2,572.48 in winnings and gambling proceeds.
“It is important to protect the Flint community from predatory illegal gaming operations, and I thank Director Williams for his continued partnership in this effort. These unwelcome operations threaten public safety by creating environments where other criminal activity can thrive,” Mayor Neeley said.
“By working together to implement comprehensive measures — from strengthening laws and regulatory frameworks to raising awareness about the issue of illegal gaming machines — we can help reduce the prevalence of illegal gaming in our communities. I look forward to continuing this conversation with MGCB Executive Director Williams and appreciate the time he took to visit Flint and discuss this important issue, and I will do what I can to help advance any necessary changes to the law in my capacity serving with the Michigan Legislature,” Rep. Neeley said.
Unlicensed casinos, unauthorized online gambling platforms, underground sports-betting operations, or any other form of wagering that is not regulated by the MGCB are all considered forms of illegal gaming. As a result of MGCB investigations from January 2015 through July 2023, a total of 1195 illegal machines and $470,401.98 have been seized. Additionally, since November 2022, 48 locations have received cease-and-desist letters involving 105 illegal machines.
“I appreciated the opportunity to meet with Mayor Neeley and Rep. Neeley in Flint and to share information with him about how the MGCB can assist with investigations and raids on alleged illegal gaming operations. Illegal gaming is a widespread problem that is not unique to Michigan, but we are prepared to act and will hold bad actors accountable who are caught breaking the law. The agency is committed to fighting illegal online gaming, pop-up illegal casinos, and the proliferation of illegal gaming machines in gas stations, bars, and other locally owned establishments — and I look forward to seeing what the Michigan Legislature can do to help us with these issues,” said Williams, who was recently selected as a finalist in the Regulator of the Year category of the 2023 American Gambling Awards.
AGA
Americans to Wager Estimated $1.39 Billion on Super Bowl LIX
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The American Gaming Association (AGA) estimates that Americans will wager a record $1.39 billion legally on Super Bowl LIX, highlighting the continued expansion and enthusiasm around the legal sports betting market.
“No single event unites sports fans like the Super Bowl, and that excitement extends to sports betting, with this year’s record legal handle reflecting its widespread appeal,” said Bill Miller, AGA President and CEO. “This figure underscores the positive impact of the legal market—from protecting consumers to generating tax revenue that benefits communities across the country—while enhancing the game experience for all.”
Americans’ support for legal sports betting continues to grow. According to the AGA’s 2024 American Attitudes Survey, 75% of Americans support legal sports wagering in their home state, and 90% view sports betting as an acceptable form of entertainment. Since the Supreme Court struck down PASPA in 2018, 38 states and D.C. have launched legal sports betting markets, expanding consumer access to safe, regulated options.
With Super Bowl LIX marking another major milestone in the growth of the legal U.S. sports betting market, the AGA is committed to fostering a thriving legal market that promotes responsible gaming, safeguards consumers, and supports long-term economic growth. As part of this effort, the AGA is once again partnering with New Orleans Saints great, college football analyst and responsible gaming ambassador, Mark Ingram II, at Super Bowl LIX. Mark will appear on Radio Row on behalf of AGA’s Have A Game Plan.® Bet Responsibly. campaign. He will encourage bettors to bet legally and responsibly on Super Bowl LIX.
The post Americans to Wager Estimated $1.39 Billion on Super Bowl LIX appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
American Gaming Association
AGA Lauds President Trump’s Visit to Las Vegas
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The American Gaming Association (AGA) member Circa Resort and Casino hosted President Trump for an important event, building on the industry’s strong ties with the president.
The Association expressed its gratitude to Circa CEO Derek Stevens for hosting the event and taking the opportunity to convey to President Trump and his team the key tax priorities in the year ahead, including raising the slot tax threshold and eliminating the sports betting excise tax.
Bill Miller, president and CEO of the AGA, said: “This event is a testament to the president’s commitment to making sure that the tax code not only encourages job creation but also ensures workers keep more of their hard-earned money.
“It’s exciting for our industry that the president visited a casino property so early in his second term. This event clearly demonstrates the positive role the gaming industry plays in the U.S. economy.
“President Trump’s tremendous support for the gaming industry during his first term was unprecedented – for the first time in history, our industry was able to obtain federal economic relief in the wake of the Covid-19 shutdowns. We look forward to further engagement with President Trump throughout this year on critical tax policy and other important industry priorities.”
The post AGA Lauds President Trump’s Visit to Las Vegas appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
American Gaming Association
AGA Unveils Have A Game Plan Initiative’s Fifth Pillar: “Keep Your Cool”
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The American Gaming Association (AGA) announced the expansion of its “Have A Game Plan. Bet Responsibly.” public service campaign with the introduction of a fifth pillar: “Keep Your Cool”. This new pillar reinforces the campaign’s mission to promote responsible sports wagering by emphasizing athlete harassment is never appropriate.
The announcement comes as data highlights the growing effectiveness of responsible gaming programs across the country. According to recent research, 66% of Americans believe the gaming industry’s responsible gaming initiatives are effective, up from 59% in 2023. Among those who actively participate in gaming, 79% of physical casino players and 85% of sports bettors agree these programs are working, including an impressive 73% of young bettors aged 18-24.
“Responsible gaming efforts like Have A Game Plan and other proactive efforts by legal operators are resonating with consumers and making a difference. ‘Keep Your Cool’ builds on this momentum by reminding bettors that a betting result – good or bad – is not an invitation to criticize a team, official, or athlete,” said Bill Miller, President and CEO of the AGA.
Since its launch in 2019, “Have A Game Plan. Bet Responsibly.” has educated bettors through four foundational pillars:
• Set a Budget: Establish and stick to a financial limit.
• Keep It Social: Bet responsibly as part of a shared activity.
• Know the Odds: Know the terminology and understand risks before placing bets.
• Play Legally: Use regulated, legal betting platforms.
The new “Keep Your Cool” pillar complements these principles by promoting sportsmanship and emphasizing the social aspects of sports betting:
Respect the Game: Winning and losing are part of sports betting, nobody is perfect; the result of a bet should not prompt negative actions – in person or online – toward athletes and officials.
Stay Focused on Having Fun: Sports betting is entertainment.
NASCAR, an early supporter of Have A Game Plan, underscored the importance of the new pillar. “At NASCAR, we believe responsible gaming enhances the overall fan experience. ‘Keep Your Cool’ reflects our shared commitment to encouraging fans to bet responsibly and maintain a respectful approach to the sport they love,” said Steve Phelps, President of NASCAR.
With responsible gaming messaging resonating stronger than ever, Have A Game Plan. Bet Responsibly. continues to foster a more enjoyable betting environment for fans.
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