BILL MILLER INTERVIEW
will also provide Department of the Treasury regulators and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) with a streamlined procedure regarding financial transactions and a potential new source of evidence when criminal activity occurs. “Regulators may be reticent about eliminating cash, but it is actually a winning situation for operators, regulators and next generation customers. Cash is difficult to trace, while digital is easier to track because it offers a better paper trail to audit.” This transition will involve complex innovations since
technical obstacles will almost certainly exist in a new digital money program. First, there is the question of how separate machines with individual internal systems accept these transactions. What would they look like? Also, what about the bills? It took time to phase out coin machines amid concerns about customer acceptance. Miller believes patrons will enjoy more advantages than disadvantages over time. He says, “Operators and manufacturers worried about
customer reactions to eliminating coins. Would those machines be rejected? To make it as similar to the original experience as possible, manufacturers replicated the sound of dropping coins when a player wins. Customers love it. It took a long time to completely adopt, but customers are happy not to carry around those coin buckets.” However, varying global customs and financial methods cannot be ignored. Developing some type of uniform technology for foreign visitors is a major element that must be resolved. Miller says, “Customers from many countries, like China, hold and use credit or debit cards unfamiliar to American businesses. As of now, few industry partners are set up to deal with these financial complexities.” He is excited about such potentially significant change
after decades of operating in one way. Although the economic savings of digital currency may be estimated, built-in expenses remain important to consider. Looking ahead, the 2020 election has numerous industry implications. In addition to a presidential race, every representative and many senators will run their own
re-election campaigns. Miller knows his way around Congress after working as the chief of staff, from 1994 to 1999, for a longtime Maryland congresswoman representing his hometown Maryland district. Miller says that in a climate where gaming companies have
choices of where to locate, lawmakers would be wise to pay attention and learn. The AGA wants to reinvigorate the Congressional Gaming Caucus and, in advance of the election, AGA staff members will go person-by-person to educate them about the industry’s history and its positive contributions. Many have some awareness of commercial and tribal gaming, plus lottery operations, but Miller wants to move them from familiarity to advocacy. “Business and capital go where it’s welcome. Monopolists tend to be bad for business because the government believes it can dictate the economy’s direction. Smart taxes on operators can both make a profit for the state and create good local partners to boost the economy and opportunity. “The AGA will continue to educate legislators and support favorable legislation. The 2018 election saw many ‘flips’ of Congressional seats, with 80 per cent of the new members coming from legalised gaming states. Some really understand the value of gaming in their communities. We will showcase states that do gaming well, resulting in a win-win for those jurisdictions’ citizens,” states Miller. The industry itself is changing, with new “players”
operators can both make a profit for the state and create good local partners to boost the economy and opportunity.
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emerging more prominently. This year has already brought proposed casino ownership changes, with the planned Eldorado acquisition of Caesars Entertainment being the most publicised. It has been an exhilarating experience for Miller so far.
After all his professional and personal satisfaction over the past seven months, he can only imagine the excitement in store for him. Miller will preside over his first G2E in October and go into 2020 tackling major issues like modernising monetary systems and sports betting’s growth across several states. But Miller is happy – and says he is clearly up to the task.
AUGUST 2019 35
Smart taxes on
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