Miller: “Gaming companies and employees have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic”
American Gaming Association (AGA) President and CEO Bill Miller issued the following statement in response to Congress passing new COVID-19 relief measures:
“The American Gaming Association is encouraged that Congress has come together to pass bipartisan legislation, which provides important relief for many Americans and businesses that continue to struggle as a result of the pandemic. While this much-needed aid is a significant step, it is imperative that the next Congress act swiftly on additional measures to address the economic challenges facing our nation and our industry.
“Gaming communities, companies, and employees across the country have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic—enduring mandated closures and operating restrictions, investing heavily in health and safety protocols, and playing a key role in stopping the community spread of COVID. We’ve met these challenges with resolve and resilience.
“Congress must do their part to provide meaningful relief for businesses and their communities, whose vitality are inextricably linked. Gaming companies support nearly two million American jobs, provide critical tax revenue, and serve as economic engines in communities all across America.
The AGA looks forward to working with the Biden administration and 117th Congress in the new year to provide tax relief that will save gaming jobs and alleviate costs, liability protections that advance responsible reopening, incentives for reviving travel and tourism, and essential support for tribal nations.”
Miller, added that, while this compromise legislation, unfortunately, does not address all of our industry’s critical priorities, it does include some important measures that the AGA fought for:
- Expansion of the CARES Act Employee Retention Tax Credit.
- Extension of Coronavirus Relief Fund availability for tribes to December 31, 2021.
- Restoration of full deductibility for business meals in 2021 and 2022.
“AGA will continue to tell this story in the new year. We are engaged with the incoming Biden administration and leadership for the 117th Congress to quickly advance new measures that will provide”, added Miller. These measures will set up our industry—and the broader economy—for what will be a resurgent spring and summer in the coming year as COVID-19 vaccines become broadly available:
- Additional tax relief to save gaming jobs and alleviate costs.
- Liability protections to advance responsible reopening.
- Incentives for reviving travel and tourism.
- Further support for tribal nations.”
The American Gaming Association (AGA) is the premier national trade group representing the US$261 billion U.S. casino industry, which supports 1.8 million jobs nationwide. The AGA members include commercial and tribal casino operators, suppliers, and other entities affiliated with the gaming industry. It is the mission of the AGA to achieve sound policies and regulations consistent with casino gaming’s modern appeal and vast economic contributions.
