AGA making regulatory reform a top priority in 2012

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- American Gaming Association (AGA) President and CEO Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr. on Wednesday announced the association will work closely with regulators in 2012 to advance regulatory reform. The multifaceted plan, which includes the launch of a new section of the AGA’s website devoted entirely to regulatory reform, was unveiled during a speech delivered by Fahrenkopf at GLI University’s 11 th North American Roundtable.

“From changes in the way games are played, where they are played and how payments are made, to the new technologies that make business operations and communications more efficient, these advancements and changes have and will continue to require new or updated regulations,” Fahrenkopf said. “The AGA looks forward to working with regulators and operators to draft improvements we can all agree on.”

The new section of the AGA website is designed to be a one-stop shop for news and information relating to the AGA’s efforts to promote regulatory reform. It will provide resources, such as whit e papers, speeches and a glossary of terms relevant to regulatory reform, to help operators and regulators stay up to speed on the issues and work together to pursue solutions to shared regulatory concerns.

The site also includes a “State Information” section that includes links to state regulatory contacts for each state and links to publicly available gaming regulations. Each state page also includes a chart outlining how each state’s current regulations measure up against the AGA’s 10 broad recommendations for regulatory reform. The charts highlight reform priorities moving forward.

“This new section of the AGA website is designed to foster conversation among regulators, gaming professionals and other key stakeholders,” writes Richard Haddrill, president, CEO and director of Bally Technologies Inc. and chairman of the AGA, in a letter posted on the website. “It is my sincere hope that we can work together to make real progress that will benefit the entire industry while maintaining the commitment to compliance and integrity that are the hallmark of our business.”

The announcement that the AGA is prioritizing regulatory reform comes in the wake of the release of its white paper, “Improving Gaming Regulations: 10 Recommendations for Streamlining Processes While Maintaining Integrity.” The paper, developed by a taskforce of former regulators, compliance officers, lawyers and other industry professionals, was released in October 2011 at Global Gaming Expo and sent to regulators nationwide.

In the coming months, the AGA will continue meeting with regulators to discuss the most pressing regulatory priorities and to ensure that any changes are beneficial to both operators and those who license them. Additionally, the AGA is exploring the potential of creating a national forum where regulators and members of the industry can share their thoughts and ideas on reform.

“We recognize the role regulators play is essential to our existence,” Fahrenkopf said. “We are also proud of the role our companies play in creating a collaborative environment that forms the basis for the finest regulatory system of any industry in the nation.”