Latest News
AGA Publishes Guide to Combat Human Trafficking in Gaming
New AGA Member Task Force to Drive Industry-Wide Effort
The American Gaming Association (AGA) released a new resource, Preventing and Combating Human Trafficking in the Gaming Industry, a first step from its newly founded Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force which aims to bolster gaming industry efforts.
“The AGA, our members, and the entire gaming industry are committed to stamping out all forms of human trafficking,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller. “Through the Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force, we will continue to bring the industry together to defeat this evil and pervasive human rights offense.”
The guide builds on efforts by hospitality and nonprofit partners and the U.S. Departments of Homeland Security, Justice and Treasury to guide the industry on applying anti-human trafficking practices including:
- Educating individuals on what constitutes human trafficking, the risks it poses to the gaming industry, and how to intervene.
- Empowering gaming employees to act when they notice human trafficking.
- Preventing human trafficking from occurring at—or being facilitated through—gaming operations.
- Addressing the specific needs of gaming executives as they institute anti-trafficking policies.
- Protecting patrons and employees from human trafficking.
The resource specifically addresses areas such as sex trafficking and forced labor; trafficking myths and realities; state and federal anti-trafficking laws and enforcement; anti-money laundering measures; and best practices for preventing, spotting and responding to trafficking at commercial and tribal gaming operations.
AGA members are actively applying anti-trafficking protocols today, including displaying property signage and training employees, partnering with shelters and nonprofits, and working with law enforcement.
“While many gaming companies already have robust anti-human trafficking policies, this guide will serve as an essential tool for the industry to assess and strengthen its current protocols,” said Alex Costello, AGA’s vice president, government relations. “Today’s announcement marks the first step in the task force’s ongoing work to enhance the gaming industry’s anti-trafficking efforts.”
The task force will continue to advance industry anti-trafficking efforts in the coming months by co-hosting regional events, participating in educational sessions at Global Gaming Expo 2022 (Oct. 10-13), and driving to-be-announced activations during National Human Trafficking Prevention Month in January 2023.
Comprised of AGA member executives with expertise in security, hospitality, anti-money laundering compliance, legal and other specialized sectors of the gaming industry, the AGA Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force’s mission is to develop robust casino-specific tools and guidance that are practical in their application to make progress against human trafficking in gaming. Participating AGA member companies include Bally’s Corporation, Boyd Gaming, Delaware North, FireKeepers Casino Hotel, GeoComply, MGM Resorts International, Penn National Gaming, Rush Street Gaming, Seminole Hard Rock, South Point Las Vegas and Wynn Resorts.
Latest News
Golden Matrix Group to Participate in the 2025 ICR Conference
Golden Matrix Group Inc., a developer and licensor of online gaming platforms, systems, and gaming content, today announced that management will participate in the 2025 ICR Conference on January 13-15, 2025 at the Grande Lakes Resort in Orlando, FL.
Zoran Milosevic, Chief Executive Officer of Meridianbet, will participate in a fireside chat with an equity research analyst on Monday, January 13, 2025, at 2:30 PM ET and will also be available for meetings during the conference.
Canada
Be #GiftSmart: Scratch the Idea of Gifting Scratch & Win Tickets to Kids
BCLC reminds adults to gift responsibly this holiday season
With the holiday season in full swing, BCLC is reminding British Columbians to gift responsibly and scratch lottery products from their shopping lists for kids.
“Scratch & Win tickets can make great stocking stuffers for the adults in your life, but they’re not for kids,” said Ryan McCarthy, BCLC’s Director of Player Health. “The research shows that children who have early encounters with gambling are four times more likely to develop riskier gambling behaviour as they grow up. While people are out shopping for those last-minute gifts, BCLC wants adults to be aware of the potential risks associated with gifting lottery products to children and to consider safer alternatives.”
While Scratch & Win tickets are among the most common ways kids can be introduced to gambling, children are increasingly exposed to various online forms, such as gambling streams.
“With the convergence of gaming and gambling, youth are becoming more exposed to gambling content in online spaces like streaming sites, where creators are able to live-stream their own gambling, usually while playing online slots and instant games,” said Dr. Luke Clark, Director for Gambling Research at UBC. “Our research at the UBC Centre for Gambling shows that a higher frequency of watching online gambling streams is associated with a more positive attitude towards gambling and a high intention to gamble in the future.”
In B.C., it is illegal to sell lottery products to anyone under the age of 19 and BCLC encourages adults to have conversations with the kids in their lives about the risks associated with gambling.
“Open and honest conversations are crucial when it comes to navigating childhood exposure to gambling,” said McCarthy, who shared the following tips to adults:
- Monitor for gambling-related lifestyle changes. For example, developing a positive attitude towards gambling or a preoccupation with video games or streaming sites.
- Be a positive role model. Exhibit safer gambling behaviour and talk about the risks.
- Limit exposure. Monitor kids’ online activities and discourage engagement with gambling content. Explain how gambling is based on chance.
Latest News
Caesars Entertainment Closes Sale of the LINQ Promenade
Caesars Entertainment announced the closing of the previously announced sale of the LINQ Promenade to a joint venture formed between TPG Real Estate (TPG) and the Investment Management Platform of Acadia Realty Trust (Acadia) for $275 million. Concurrent with the closing of the transaction, Caesars made a $275 million voluntary prepayment of the Term Loan B due 2030 with the proceeds from the transaction.
Latham & Watkins LLP and Brownstein Hyatt Farber and Schreck LLP represented Caesars on the transaction. Kirkland & Ellis LLP provided transaction counsel to TPG & Acadia.
-
Compliance Updates6 days ago
Florida Gaming Control Commission Collaborates with Local Law Enforcement Partners to Address Illegal Gambling Activity and Shut Down Illegal Casinos
-
Latest News6 days ago
Lucky Eagle Casino & Hotel Installs QCI’s Enterprise Platform
-
Canada6 days ago
Play’n GO announces partnership with Canadian operator PointsBet
-
awards3 days ago
Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel Named #1 Best Overall Casino Outside of Las Vegas and #1 Best Native American Casino in 2024 Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards
-
Interviews6 days ago
Building a company culture from the ground up
-
Latest News3 days ago
SPGA Introduces Code of Conduct to Highlight Member Commitment to Compliance and Safety in Social and Promotional Gaming
-
Latest News6 days ago
Betson Appoints Todd Cravens as SVP of Gaming Division
-
Gambling in the USA1 day ago
Industry veteran joins North American operator as chief interactive gaming officer to drive growth in iCasino states and efficiencies in its online sportsbook