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American Gaming Association

Joint AGA-IGA Letter Addressing Unregulated Sports Event Contracts

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Below is a joint letter from the American Gaming Association and Indian Gaming Association on addressing unregulated sports event contracts in upcoming cryptocurrency market structure legislation.

Dear Members of the United States Senate and House of Representatives,

On behalf of the American Gaming Association (AGA) and the Indian Gaming Association (IGA), we write to urge timely congressional action to address the explosion of unregulated sports event contracts being offered by prediction markets. Since these contracts, that are indistinguishable from legal sports betting, were launched last January, they have grown exponentially in trading volume and have expanded beyond the outcome of single games to include complex parlays and even potential wagers on the collegiate transfer portal. This growth has occurred by exploiting regulatory inaction by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), which undermines state law and tribal sovereignty and flies in the face of existing federal laws and regulation intended to protect consumers and the integrity of our nation’s financial markets. We firmly believe that congressional consideration of cryptocurrency market structure legislation provides an important, bipartisan opportunity to prevent sports betting and casino gambling under the guise of “event contracts.”

Together, our associations represent the legal regulated gaming industry in the United States that generates $329 billion in annual economic impact, produces $53 billion in tax revenue, and supports 1.8 million jobs. As one of the most highly regulated industries in the United States, licensed gaming operators work with more than 8,400 state and tribal regulators across the country to ensure our industry has transparency, integrity, strict consumer safeguards and responsible gaming practices. It’s a proven framework that ensures local control and protects players and the public while delivering billions of dollars in community benefits.

For decades, we have followed a uniquely American approach to gaming – an approach that has been the foundation of our success. This system gives the people a voice on whether and how to allow gaming, which creates a social contract between states, tribes and our industry: when we earn the privilege to enter your community, we deliver benefits in return.

In 2018, the Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act and ruled that states have the right to determine whether to legalize sports betting. Since then, 39 states and the District of Columbia have done so, which in many jurisdictions has included close coordination with tribal authorities. Where sports betting has been legalized, states and tribes have set strict guardrails to ensure strong protections such as:

• Minimum betting ages (21+ in most jurisdictions)

• Licensing and suitability requirements for operators

• Anti-money laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols

• Mandatory responsible gaming resources, including self-exclusion programs

• Independent integrity monitoring and compliance audits

In contrast, several CFTC registered prediction market platforms have made self-certified event contracts available to anyone 18 and over, in all 50 states, circumventing state and tribal gaming laws and denying states and tribes hundreds of millions of dollars of critically needed revenue for schools, roads and first responders. The CFTC has not reviewed or approved any of these contracts as more entities enter the market, and their offerings get more audacious.

The CFTC’s own regulations – adopted pursuant to the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA) – prohibit event contracts regarding terrorism, assassination, war, gaming, or an activity that is unlawful under any State or Federal law. According to 39 state Attorneys General, these contracts are contrary to their state laws. They violate the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) that gives tribes exclusivity to offer gaming products on their land. Sports event contracts also violate the federal Wire Act that makes it illegal to offer sports wagers across state lines.

And while the gaming industry has focused our efforts on stopping unregulated sports wagering, we have seen a troubling proliferation of other concerning betting categories that seek to capitalize on tragedy, invite manipulation, and undermine public trust. Most recently, questions and concerns have been raised regarding contracts tied to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and ongoing armed conflicts abroad – categories that would never be permitted under state or tribal law.

These contracts are being offered in flagrant disregard of state laws, tribal sovereignty, the Commodity Exchange Act, and CFTC regulations. They mislead consumers into believing that a sports bet is an investment, fail to protect the young and the vulnerable, open the door to money laundering, match fixing and insider trading. They rob state budgets and tribal finances while simultaneously forcing states and tribes to expend massive legal resources to defend their sovereignty.

During his confirmation hearing, Chairman Selig made it clear that the CFTC would not rein in sports betting contracts under his leadership, instead deferring to the outcome of litigation that could take years to be fully resolved. However, Mr. Selig also said that the CFTC would follow Congress if they were to step in and speak on these contracts. Therefore, it is critical that Congress act swiftly to include legislative language in the cryptocurrency market structure legislation that reenforces existing law and prohibits gaming through CFTC-registered platforms. We stand ready to work with you on this issue and appreciate your consideration.

Sincerely,

Bill Miller

President & CEO

American Gaming Association

David Z. Bean

Chairman

Indian Gaming Association

The post Joint AGA-IGA Letter Addressing Unregulated Sports Event Contracts appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

American Gaming Association

Registration Now Open for Global Gaming Expo 2026

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Registration is now open for G2E 2026, presented by the American Gaming Association (AGA) and organized by RX. Global Gaming Expo returns to The Venetian Resort Las Vegas from Sept. 28 – Oct. 1, convening gaming leaders, innovators and decision-makers from around the world for the industry’s premier event. Exhibitors, media, and attendees can find more information and register now by visiting www.globalgamingexpo.com.

Supported by the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM), top highlights of the show include the debut of the Business Solutions & Tech Zone, showcasing the technologies and enterprise solutions powering today’s integrated resorts on and off the casino floor. The highly-anticipated G2E Dealer Championship will return, expanding to include dealers from Canada and Mexico to compete for the best dealer in North America.

“Gaming is always evolving, and G2E remains the industry’s premier destination for global collaboration, business growth and innovation. By convening operators, suppliers, regulators and industry leaders from around the world, G2E creates opportunities to explore emerging technologies, exchange ideas and explore the trends taking place across gaming. We look forward to welcoming the industry back this September,” said Korbi Carrison, RX’s Event Vice President for G2E.

For more than 25 years, G2E has been the most influential trade event for the legal, state, tribal and globally regulated gaming industry, driving advancements across casinos, hospitality, technology, iGaming, sports betting and more. The event will welcome over 25,000 industry professionals from more than 120 countries, regions and territories and nearly 400 exhibitors showcasing the latest global gaming technologies.

“What has always set G2E apart is the show’s ability to bring together people from across the gaming ecosystem for meaningful conversations that shape the future of the industry. From emerging technologies to evolving regulations, G2E provides a forum for the conversations that matter most. The continued growth and momentum across the industry are reflected in the strength of the event itself, and we expect another impactful year in 2026,” said Maureen Beddis, AGA’s Senior Vice President of Membership and Events.

G2E 2026 will reflect the dynamic gaming industry with a diverse range of offerings and experiences:

• The G2E Main Stage will feature timely discussions with industry leaders and leading gaming operators to converse on what is shaping the future of legal gaming.

• The G2E Dealer Championship makes its grand return after the success of its inaugural appearance in 2025. This competition brings together the most skilled casino dealers to compete for recognition as the best gaming professional in North America, now expanding to include dealers across Canada and Mexico.

• The all-new Business Solutions & Tech Zone is a dedicated showcase for innovative tools and services like AI, data analytics, cybersecurity, payments, CRM and MarTech that help integrated resorts improve efficiency, personalization and revenue growth.

• The New Exhibitor Zone is a dedicated area for first and second time G2E exhibitors. This is the perfect area to connect with G2E’s newest exhibitors.

• In the iGaming Hub, attendees can explore the innovations shaping the future of online gaming. Through dedicated sessions and built-in networking opportunities, attendees can gain insights and discover what’s next in this rapidly evolving space.

• The G2E Networking Lounge and Media Zone returns in 2026, providing dedicated spaces for industry networking and media engagement directly on the expo floor.

• The 2026 education program features over 100 sessions and 330 speakers, offering insights from leading voices across gaming.

Education sessions will run from Sept. 28 – Oct. 1, and the expo hall will be open from Sept. 29 – Oct. 1.

The post Registration Now Open for Global Gaming Expo 2026 appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

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AGA Gaming Industry Outlook

AGA: Gaming Executives Remain Optimistic as Industry Growth Continues; Sports Event Contracts Drive Rising Industry Concern

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Gaming executives report a positive outlook on future industry conditions as key performance indicators continue to improve. At the same time, emerging risks – particularly from prediction market platforms offering sports event contracts – are increasingly shaping industry concerns, according to the American Gaming Association (AGA) Gaming Industry Outlook.

The Gaming Conditions Index (GCI) shows real economic activity – measured across gaming revenue, employment, wages, executive sentiment, and casino hotel event activity – grew 1.5 percent year-over-year, reflecting sustained confidence and momentum in the industry.

“The legal state- and tribal-regulated gaming industry continues to demonstrate resilience and adaptability in a dynamic economic environment. Operators are focused on investing in innovation and delivering world-class entertainment, while also navigating an evolving competitive and regulatory landscape,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller.

Key Findings Include:

• More than 60 percent of executives expect increased capital investment, higher revenues, and stronger balance sheets over the next six to 12 months.

• Executive sentiment reached its highest level since Q3 2022, with a 21.4 percent net positive outlook across key business indicators.

• 62 percent of executives plan to increase capital investments over the next six to 12 months, while promotional activity is expected to decline for the second consecutive survey.

Emerging Threats

Despite strong fundamentals, prediction markets offering sports event contracts have emerged as a leading concern, with 81 percent of executives identifying them as a “very significant” risk to the regulated gaming industry.

“Illegal sports betting through sports event contracts is increasingly encroaching on legal, state-and tribal-regulated operators. It’s clear the legal, regulated industry views this is a threat, and will continue to fight back and protect the integrity of our industry,” said Miller.

Executives also cited several additional evolving risks impacting operations:

• Inflation, tariffs, and geopolitical risk continue to be major factors limiting operations, while federal regulatory concerns increased sharply.

• 54 percent of respondents cite employee wages as the top expense pressure, followed by tax and regulatory policy changes.

• 42 percent pointed to competition from new forms of gaming (up from 25 percent in Q3 2025).

Methodology

The AGA Gaming Industry Outlook is prepared biannually by Oxford Economics. It provides a timely measure of recent industry growth and future expectations based on executive sentiment, gaming activity, and economic indicators. The Q1 2026 survey was conducted between March 23 and April 8, 2026. A total of 26 executives participated, representing senior level AGA member executives from major international and domestic gaming companies, gaming equipment suppliers, and iGaming and sports betting operators.

The post AGA: Gaming Executives Remain Optimistic as Industry Growth Continues; Sports Event Contracts Drive Rising Industry Concern appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

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American Gaming Association

U.S. Commercial Gaming Revenue Hits $78.7 Billion in 2025

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The U.S. commercial gaming industry reached a record high in 2025, generating $78.72 billion in gross gaming revenue (GGR), a 9.2% increase over the previous year, according to the American Gaming Association’s (AGA) Commercial Gaming Revenue Tracker. In 2025, legal, state-regulated gaming generated $18.09 billion in gaming tax revenue, supporting state and local education, infrastructure, and other services across the country, up 15.1% over last year.

“For another year, legal commercial gaming in the United States has delivered exceptional results for consumers, operators, and the communities we serve. These record revenues and tax contributions demonstrate the broad appeal of regulated gaming markets and why strong state oversight remains essential as our industry evolves,” said Bill Miller, President and CEO of the American Gaming Association.

Growth Across the Industry in 2025:

• Traditional Gaming generated $50.94 billion in revenue, up 2.3%, while contributing $11.33 billion in taxes, a 7.2% increase.

• Sports Betting revenue rose to $16.96 billion, a 22.8% increase, on a total handle of $166.94 billion (+11.0%). State-regulated sportsbooks generated $3.71 billion in taxes, up 32.4% year-over-year.

• iGaming reached $10.74 billion in revenue (+27.6%) and delivered $2.59 billion in taxes, a 36.9% increase.

All 38 commercial gaming markets saw annual revenue increases in 2025. These figures reinforce strong consumer enthusiasm for legal, regulated gaming and highlight the expanding economic impact of state-regulated markets.

Protecting State- and Tribal-Regulated Gaming

Industry leaders and lawmakers continue to take a stand against prediction markets offering sports contracts outside state and tribal regulatory frameworks. These platforms operate without state oversight, are not subject to the same consumer protection and responsible gaming standards, and do not contribute tax revenue.

Even with a record state-regulated gaming tax impact in 2025, the AGA estimates that prediction markets offering sports event contracts have diverted more than $500 million in potential sports betting tax revenue to date.

“With 2025 marking another record year, the industry’s performance reinforces a clear principle. Sports betting belongs under state and tribal regulation. That’s how consumers are protected and how communities share in the benefits,” added Miller.

The post U.S. Commercial Gaming Revenue Hits $78.7 Billion in 2025 appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

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