STATESIDE
Reviving domestic energy production: While this may seem remote from gaming, the returning Trump Administration vows to “drill, baby drill” as they say. That means maximising all domestic energy opportunities to reduce reliance on foreign oil sources. Raging inflation was the number one issue in this election cycle. Those gaming states in regions with extremely hot or cold climates have faced huge increases in energy costs. Lowering energy costs for homes, vehicles and machinery will put more money in consumers’ wallets and generate more discretionary spending. Employees may be more available to work with extra disposable income for childcare costs. Casinos will also spend less to heat, cool or operate their locations.
Intensifying illegal migrant criminal deportations: Perhaps the most controversial issue, illegal immigration emerged as the voters’ second priority. I find it unbelievable that the current federal government and numerous states/cities refuse to cooperate with authorities to detain known felons and remand them to law enforcement for deportation.
The Trump team vows to rid the U.S. of thousands of convicted criminals and terrorists here illegally. Bravo for their efforts. Since 2021, the number of caravans and people illegally crossing the southern border has exploded by millions. While certainly a political and economic issue, the devastating toll of drug and human trafficking by cartels actively exploits children and adults. Las Vegas and other major metropolitan regions with gaming properties may be attractive locales for illegal drug and prostitution rings to operate. The American Gaming Association (AGA) has long voiced its strong opposition and commitment to actively counter this scourge. The AGA recently partnered with RG24seven Virtual Training for free online training for gaming employees. Industry experts use video and quizzes, based on the
The duo will also evaluate unnecessary and punitive regulations on American businesses. Since gaming is among the most regulated American industries, most casino industry executives would welcome any relief. These few topics are the proverbial tip of the iceberg. Voters overwhelmingly proclaimed what they want accomplished. It is an ambitious agenda, but one that, if successful, should improve everyone’s life. In 2016, Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” campaign theme resonated with the public. In 2024, he repeated that, reminding people of President Ronald Reagan’s famous 1980 campaign question: Were you better off four years ago than you are today? Reagan won in 1980 and was re-elected in a landslide in 1984. The voters gave their answer on November 5. As 2024 comes to a close, I wish you and your families a happy, safe holiday season and a wonderful new year. “See” you in 2025 for the January issue.
AGA’s Guide to Preventing and Combating Human Trafficking. It draws on the AGA’s Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force, nonprofits and law enforcement. Those successfully completing the program earn a verified certificate.
Eliminating bureaucratic waste and onerous regulations: Everyone recognises that governmental bureaucracies operate in a freewheeling spending vacuum. Private industry could never survive that way. Enter international entrepreneur/billionaire Elon Musk and American businessman/ billionaire Vivek Ramaswamy. Together, they are forming and leading the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The unprecedented advisory body’s mission is to streamline the U.S. government and reduce inefficiency while saving billions in waste and fraudulent spending. Thousands of government workers are quaking in their shoes as to their own futures.
Sharon Harris
Sharon has worked in the casino and coin- operated amusement industries since the 1980s. In the early 1990s, Sharon transferred her public relations and journalism skills to the gaming International predecessor EUROSLOT magazine in 1994.
International, Sharon has chronicled the explosive growth of U.S. gaming and reported on its most traveled across America to participate in dozens of industry events and has interviewed
hundreds of gaming operators,
executives and suppliers.
BMM qp strip CI
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