STATESIDE
Stateside H
appy New Year. Is it really 23 years I have worked for Casino International and EUROSLOT (now Global Amusements & Play) magazines? Yes, and I hope it is in the cards (sorry for the gaming pun) for
at least another 23. We have witnessed many changes in two decades… some good, like gaming’s continuous growth and nationwide acceptance, and some not so good. The industry still confronts resistance to legalizing sports betting, which actually enhances criminal activity. We as an industry must keep our cool and
recognize opportunities. Calm often comes with age and perspective. Speaking of perspective, America has also changed
Since New Jersey again lost its sports betting court battle in August, five states and the AGA have filed amicus briefs with the U.S. Supreme Court in November to show support.
in 100 years. I currently teach a monthly adult enrichment course called “Hooray for Hollywood.“ It began with American motion picture history and the early 20th century nickelodeons that featured short films and penny arcades. This inexpensive mass entertainment especially appealed to millions of foreign-born immigrants who did not speak English. These penny arcade games are the ancestors of
today’s gaming and amusement games. I feel personally connected since my father Stan launched our family’s coin-op amusement company in Philadelphia only 40 years later in 1946, within less than two generations. However, the public’s perception over the years meant frequent legal battles against gaming and amusement machines, fighting charges they “corrupted” and “stole” from consumers. How could integrity be built into an operation? I spent much of my 1980s career defending our company at public hearings, proving there was no devious industry plan to steal “little” Johnny’s lunch money or “big” Johnny’s paycheck. As for gambling, we all know the perceptions about early Las Vegas. Compare that mindset to generations of movies
portraying smoking as sexy and sophisticated. Were Humphrey Bogart, Bette Davis or countless others ever without a cigarette? Lighting up became part of the storyline. Today, smoking is taboo in public spaces and only
unsavory characters seem to smoke on screen. It’s a far cry from then, but science, public relations and higher costs have eroded smoking’s appeal. In contrast, every modern survey reveals gaming‘s
8 JANUARY 2017
A year on from David Bowie’s passing and Sharon Harris looks at the ch-ch-changes in gaming over the years
evolving acceptance. The days of mob figures like Ben “Bugsy” Siegel and others have long disappeared. Educated, reputable people operate today’s highly- regulated industry.
The American Gaming Association (AGA)
constantly touts the local and statewide economic contributions of gaming. In 2016, gaming revenues total $240 billion and support 1.7 million jobs in 40 states.
If legalized sports betting happens within two
years, untold billions will also be legitimately earned. Since New Jersey again lost its sports betting court battle in August, five states and the AGA have filed amicus briefs with the U.S. Supreme Court in November to show support. Amicus briefs declare interest without being a party in a lawsuit. AGA President/CEO Geoff Freeman sees its possibility since President-elect Donald Trump certainly understands legal casino operations. Solid executives are leading the way and becoming the public face. In late December, MGM CEO Jim Murren was the “Power Player of the Week” on Fox News Sunday, showcasing the new $1.4 billion MGM National Harbor Casino. Built in Maryland, across from Washington D.C., Murren aimed for “Las Vegas on the Potomac River.“ He praised National Harbor’s majestic views and
greater square footage than the White House. Murren expects 20-30,000 daily visitors to eat, drink, gamble and be entertained. He also projects annual earnings exceeding $200 million – half from gaming. Describing his racially diverse staff of 4,000 – 80 per cent minority – Murren called the gaming industry “a path to the middle class” for everyone. This increased societal popularity leaves no room for those like Harry Reid, the retiring incumbent Nevada Democratic Senator/former Senate Majority Leader, of Nevada. For his 35 years in office, some insiders considered him vital to promoting gaming. I never did. For me, Reid’s history of incendiary comments, questionable family campaign ethics and backroom tactics contributed to Washington’s toxic atmosphere.
The gaming industry must elevate future leaders with character and integrity. Because perception is often everything, gaming will certainly benefit from a good one.
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