FAREWELL TO FRANK
signatures. They feared an extra tax would devastate their state budgets, reliant on gaming revenues. Fahrenkopf says, “This issue disappeared in 30
days, but they realized they needed a Washington presence. We created the American Gaming Association. I took a one-year professional leave to help and look what happened… I never left.” Because the job vacancy remained by early 1995, the committee offered Fahrenkopf the permanent job over breakfast.
CHANGES, CHALLENGES AND CELEBRATIONS
Since the 1990s, American gaming has exploded,
extending beyond just the gaming floor. Technology, labor and other national issues have impacted casinos and their operating communities. Fahrenkopf states, “In 1995, we aimed to change public perception and eliminate old mob stereotypes. The AGA has always educated Congress and state legislatures of gaming‘s tight regulations and employment opportunities. As gaming has proliferated, we have sometimes taken two steps forward and one step back. The industry’s extraordinary tax payments clearly demand respect. Executives like the late Terry Lanni, Gary Loveman and others have been good representatives for Wall Street because their public companies are regulated.“ An early AGA challenge was the National Gambling Impact Study Commission Act of 1996. It established a nine-member commission to study the social and economic impacts of federal, state, local and Native American gaming. Fahrenkopf says,
“Following two years of exhaustive travel and nationwide
presentations, we earned positive marks.“ How does Fahrenkopf evaluate his 17 years leading
the AGA? The public’s overwhelming acceptance of gaming as a highly regulated business fuels his positive attitude. Fahrenkopf proudly points to numerous successes in stopping punitive federal taxes, state taxes and regulations, asserting that many legislators now recognize gaming’s contributions to the communities where they operate. Fahrenkopf also cites other key AGA achievements. He claims that company mergers and acquisitions have created a mature industry of core companies that survived the 2008 economic downturn. The National Center for Responsible Gaming
32 JUNE 2013
(NCRG) was founded in 1996 as the AGA’s affiliated charity. The NCRG has received almost $25 million to conduct quality research for a better understanding and treatment of pathological and youth gambling. Gaming industry contributors, equipment manufacturers, vendors, related organizations and individuals all donate their time and resources. Globally, the G2E and G2E Asia conventions have
thrived. Prior to the 2001 debut of the AGA‘s first G2E expo, trade magazines sponsored multiple trade shows. That year, the AGA went its own way and hosted its own members’ convention. Fahrenkopf says, “Our shows have only grown more
successful. We added G2E Asia in 2007, and are very pleased with the results.“
WHAT ABOUT FRANK‘S FUTURE?
Although Fahrenkopf decided to retire back in December, 2011, he announced his intentions earlier this year. “I delayed my announcement in 2012 because I hoped an Internet poker bill would pass. I am disappointed it failed after four years of Senators Harry Reid (D-Nevada) and John Kyl (R-Arizona) working with individual companies. Federal Internet poker legislation is now not a front burner issue. That uncertainty motivated me to give six months notice because a good executive plans for future transition. “I believe federal legislation will provide minimum
standards and consumer protections while also safeguarding against underage and compulsive gambling. Federal pressure is needed to regulate licensing and taxes,” Fahrenkopf says. Geoff Freeman will succeed Fahrenkopf on July 1.
Freeman has 16 years of Washington experience, helping to pass key legislation and promote hospitality industries. Fahrenkopf wishes him well in a tough environment.
“The polarized atmosphere rejects civility and
fosters negative relationships. Adversaries once tried cases and then socialized while awaiting decisions. Reasonable people can disagree. “My father was a Democrat who supported candidates over party. While a Republican, I vote for whomever I consider most qualified,” he says. Fahrenkopf praises the gaming industry’s people and the AGA board members. He feels the employees on the front line are gaming’s most valuable assets. He reminisces, “It’s been a great ride for a kid from
Airport Rd. in Reno. I’ve enjoyed my life’s legal, political and gaming chapters, and I am leaving on my own terms. A reporter is writing my biography. I will pursue speaking circuit and writing opportunities and may teach at a university.” Fahrenkopf and Mary will remain in the
Washington D.C. area to be near their three grandchildren. They can then also easily visit their other two grandchildren in Connecticut. One thing is certain… Fahrenkopf will succeed,
whatever his path. Someone that accomplished and talented always has much to offer.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66