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Frankly Speaking
by Frank J. Fahrenkopf Jr.
Eight years ago, the gaming industry got a wake-up call: the Clinton administration was floating a 4 percent federal tax on our industry to finance a proposed national health care plan. In a matter of years, the industry had grown from doing business in just two states - Nevada and New Jersey - to 10 states. As a result, we could now be considered national targets, and we needed to be prepared. Not only was this a threat to the financial future of our industry, it also was a threat to state sovereignty to determine gambling policy. While the health care plan met its quick demise, the industry response was swift, and the American Gaming Association (AGA) was formed in 1995 to represent the industry's interests in Washington, D.C., and nationwide.
Since then, the AGA has tackled a wide range of issues affecting our companies, from fighting to ensure that a proposed federal commission on gambling produced a fair, impartial and unbiased study of the industry to spearheading a nationwide initiative to increase awareness of problem gambling. We have worked to set the record straight on the old myths and stereotypes about our business. And we have documented the economic and social benefits of the industry in our communities nationwide to policy-makers, the media and the general public.
Our efforts have yielded some important progress, but it hasn't stopped our opponents from continuing to push anti-gambling legislation. And it also hasn't stopped many in the media from perpetuating misinformation about our business. We all understand that we are in the spotlight so regularly because our industry is sexy. Certainly, gambling sells a lot more newspapers than real estate or insurance.
We also are in the news because a small percentage of the population is morally opposed to gambling, and they are vocal in their opposition. While they have tried to strip away the rights of American citizens to decide how to spend their hard-earned money and free time, one important voice has been conspicuously absent: that of our customers. Millions of people visit our casinos every year. You come for the gambling excitement. You come for the shopping. You come for the restaurants. And you come for the concerts and shows.
Judging by some of the recent legislative initiatives in Congress, I can tell you none of us should take that right for granted. Last year, there was a strong push to ban betting on college games in our Nevada sports books. That proposal will no doubt be considered again this year. Other anti-gaming legislation expected on the agenda this year is a bill to ban ATMs from casino floors.
That's why we've formed a new group to help our customers find a voice for their views. Americans for Casino Entertainment, or ACE, will be a positive force that delivers the facts about gaming to policy-makers at every level of government. It will give Americans a platform from which to counter these "Big Brother" attacks on our freedoms and will serve as a "truth squad" for the industry. Through its nationwide, grass-roots network of members, ACE will support and mobilize citizens for advocacy efforts concerning issues and challenges facing the gaming industry.
ACE members will be encouraged to voice their opinion to members of Congress and policy-makers nationwide through letters, e-mail and telephone calls - as well as at the ballot box. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., ACE will be chaired by legendary Las Vegas entertainer Wayne Newton and will have a leadership coalition comprised of prominent individuals, such as entertainers, business and industry representatives and community leaders, who are dedicated to speaking out on behalf of the gaming industry.
The voice of Americans who believe in their freedom to participate in gaming has long needed to be heard. The industry and its customers must unite to stop the passage of any federal anti-gaming legislation, as it will only add fuel to the efforts of gaming opponents to impose further bans on the industry. Because you are large in number, located all over the country and - along with our employees - represent the face of our industry, your voice could be one of the most persuasive in defending the right to continue enjoying casino entertainment.
To learn how you can get involved, visit the ACE Web site at www.aceaction.com.
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