In the news and at the water cooler, the buzz-worthy issues in this dynamic industry are on everyone’s minds. We wanted to know what national and state gaming associations have on their minds, so we reached out to them to give us the rundown on what the top issues in gaming are throughout North America.
Interactive gaming has taken center stage in the U.S. ever since the Nevada Gaming Commission approved regulations Dec. 22, 2011. The next day, the Department of Justice (DoJ) issued a new legal opinion regarding the Wire Act of 1961, pushing online gaming further into the spotlight. Regulations and i-gaming are on the minds of associations, and each has different views.
Trend watchers predict prosperity for Las Vegas after 22 continuous months of increases in visitor counts. Much like our “2012 Gaming Industry Forecast” article predicted a cautiously optimistic outlook for the year, the contributors to this feature reveal hope for a successful 2012.
Gambling expansion is affecting various jurisdictions in the states. New York welcomed its first casino in October when Resorts World Casino New York City opened to more than 65,000 patrons in three days. The New York Gaming Association was also formed to advocate for and advance the interests of the state’s nine racetrack casinos. Associations in this feature express the importance of strengthening membership and voice.
New York City’s neighbor Atlantic City is also experiencing gambling expansion, with a mobile gaming measure advancing in the Senate and moving forward for a full Senate vote. The much-anticipated $2.4 billion Revel casino-hotel in the city is slated to open in early April, after remaining unfinished for years during the recession. Revel is seen as a key to a turnaround of Atlantic City’s gaming market.
Proponents of bringing resorts to southern Florida continue to fight for the measure that would allow industry giants like Genting and MGM to open resorts in the Sunshine State. Although voting on the measure has been postponed, it is expected to be brought to the table again and advocates are certain that the bill is not dead.
From Canada to Louisiana, Arizona to Indiana, read on to the following pages to learn more about these issues, what each jurisdiction is working to achieve, and what other issues are top of mind. 
Frank J. Fahrenkopf Jr.
President and CEO
American Gaming Association
In your own words, how would you describe the current state of the U.S. nation’s gaming industry?
The U.S. gaming industry has been experiencing slow economic recovery, and I’m very optimistic for what the future has in store for us. As anyone who follows the industry is well aware, revenues in 2008 and 2009 took a serious hit nationwide, and national revenues were flat in 2010. What we are seeing thus far from our collection of 2011 data is that revenues should tick up for the year.
There also is a great deal of buzz about expansion into some significant markets—casinos opening in Ohio this year and the legalization of casino gaming in Massachusetts should give the industry a boost going forward.
Is there any current legislation you’d like to address and how it would affect the state of gaming for its respective jurisdiction?
Federal legislation allowing states to license and regulate online poker is needed now more than ever. In December, the Department of Justice (DoJ) released an opinion regarding the scope of the Federal Wire Act and how it pertains to online gambling, but honestly, it creates many more questions than it does answers. The opinion illustrates the urgent need for federal legislation to prevent a patchwork quilt of rules and regulations governing domestic online gambling and the continued proliferation of unlicensed and unregulated foreign gambling websites targeting the millions of Americans playing online poker.
Passing legislation like this would ensure that Americans who play poker online can do so safely using responsible, law-abiding operators, and passing federal guidelines would keep minors from gaming online, prevent fraud and money laundering, address problem gambling and ensure players aren’t being cheated.
Is there anything else you personally would like to see done to improve the overall state of gaming in the nation today?
I think that gaming regulatory reform is something that would improve the industry across the board—for manufacturers and operators of all sizes and in all jurisdictions.
Last fall, the AGA released a white paper detailing 10 recommendations for streamlining gaming regulations while maintaining the integrity and transparency our industry is known for. Many of the gaming regulations currently in place across the country were developed decades ago. Regulation needs to evolve as advancing technology transforms the industry, changing not only the games to be regulated, but also the tools available to regulators.
Currently, the AGA is coordinating with our members and state gaming associations across the country to work with regulators to see which regulations can be revised and improved, as well as working with new gaming jurisdictions to ensure that new regulations reflect the industry in its current state.
Could you comment on some of the biggest issues our industry is facing right now?
I already talked about the DoJ decision, so I’ll address the news of mega resort expansion efforts in New York and Florida. Whenever expansion efforts are in the news, you hear a lot of anti-gaming groups alleging the negative impacts of gaming. One way to combat this is through independent research about the positive economic impact of industry.
In February, the AGA released “Beyond the Casino Floor: Economic Impacts of the Commercial Casino Industry,” which offers in-depth analysis of the scope of the gaming industry, including data on the effects of industry spending as well as industry- supported and induced spending. The report shows the economic activity supported by the commercial casino industry is roughly equivalent to 1 percent of the $14.5 trillion U.S. gross domestic product in 2010.
The report also examines the direct, indirect and induced jobs, wages and taxes generated by the commercial casino industry, detailing each at the state and county level. For a full copy of the report, visit www.americangaming.org/beyondthecasinofloor.
What other issues are your association currently working to resolve?
The AGA is constantly striving to improve the business climate in the gaming industry, and one way we do that is by creating business opportunities for the industry through the Global Gaming Expo (G2E) family of events. Along with our trade show partner, Reed Exhibitions, the AGA hosts two of the world’s premier gaming events—G2E in Las Vegas and G2E Asia in Macau— that bring together show floors with the latest products and innovations, education about the trends and issues shaping the industry and networking opportunities with colleagues from around the world.
Does the AGA have any exciting plans for the coming year?
The AGA will continue its work of telling the story of the modern commercial casino industry, and a key part of that story is the important contributions that gaming companies make through their corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities, making the communities where they operate better places to live, work and play. This year, shining the light on these activities will be an ongoing theme in the AGA’s communications efforts.
The AGA will focus on the industry’s charitable contributions, volunteer initiatives, environmental stewardship, diversity and responsible gaming by leveraging national events to highlight the various CSR efforts of AGA member companies and the industry as a whole. We will also release two white papers that provide a qualitative and quantitative look at industry-wide efforts in the areas of corporate giving, volunteerism and environmental sustainability.
How do you think 2012 looks for the industry, as opposed to years past?
I think 2012 will be a good year for the industry. I think we will continue to see an improvement in revenues and visitation numbers, especially if the economy improves and consumer confidence increases.
States opening new properties and others looking to expand can only be good for the industry as it continues the conversation about gaming. Our industry has a positive story to tell about what we bring to communities, and expansion allows us to tell it. Also, U.S gaming companies will continue to have success internationally. The Asian and Latin American markets are real growth opportunities, so U.S. companies in those jurisdictions will continue to see positive growth.
Valerie Spicer
Executive Director
Arizona Indian Gaming Association
How would you describe the current state of Arizona’s gaming industry?
The current state of Arizona’s gaming industry is that we are continuing to come back to a good state of health with another consecutive quarter of increased tribal gaming contributions. The Arizona Department of Gaming announced tribal contributions to the state show an increase of 12 percent from the same quarter last year. This is great news for the state, for the tribes and for our industry. Total contributions from the quarter ending Dec. 31, 2011, were more than $12.5 million.
What is the most important goal the Arizona Indian Gaming Association is working to achieve at this time?
Our single most important goal is to protect gaming on tribal lands as we operate today. Arizona has long been considered a model for the nation, and our goal is to make sure it continues to be that model so it can effectively work for tribes and for the people of Arizona.
In our state and throughout the country, tribal gaming is working as it was intended to by Congress. Tribal gaming is the main source of revenue for tribes in Arizona. For many tribal people who live on land located in rural areas, it is the major source of employment for them and for their non-Indian neighbors. Much of the general public doesn’t realize that because tribes have no tax base—government gaming provides the revenue tribes need so they can improve infrastructure, upgrade education and deliver needed social services. In addition, tribal gaming provides the revenue tribes need to diversify their economies.
What other issues are the Arizona Indian Gaming Association currently working to resolve?
We are educating our legislature and the general public on the benefits of gaming for all Arizonans and the consequences if the current system were to be changed. This year marks 10 years since voters passed Proposition 202, which created the process of sharing revenues with non-gaming tribes and with the state and the people of Arizona. We are celebrating this anniversary by telling the story of gaming on tribal lands and its extraordinary benefits.
Tribal gaming revenue that is deposited into the Arizona Benefits Fund supports education in Arizona, emergency and trauma care throughout our state, wildlife conservation and economic development through tourism. In addition, tribes make contributions directly to their surrounding cities, towns and counties that are used to support everything from purchasing new police and fire equipment to supporting social service, civic and cultural organizations. We’ve launched a website, www.benefitingarizona.org, to tell this story.
What is new on your state’s legislative front? Are there any initiatives you’re keeping your eye on?
What’s new is that Arizona’s legislative leadership has changed. The new leadership has openly supported racetracks and racinos. With this dynamic, legislative action to support racinos became a real possibility. On the positive side, members of the Arizona Senate are very conservative and generally do not want an expansion of gaming. It is also good news that Arizona’s state budget is in good shape today. Revenues are up, and sales tax revenue is projected to be $1.3 billion above budget for the next two fiscal years. In 2014, the 1-cent sales tax will expire and education interests want to extend it, however the legislature is very conservative and has no appetite for increasing taxes. There’s legitimate concern that, if the economy does not continue to improve, we could face serious budget shortfalls again in 2014, and that could fan public interest in expanding gaming off tribal lands.
The “Citizens for Fair Gaming” petition seeks to allow racetrack and corporate casinos to operate in Arizona. How is the association is reacting to this petition?
We are taking the “Citizens for Fair Gaming” petition seriously, as we take any and all threats to gaming on tribal lands. AIGA has organized a political entity that can respond quickly and effectively to any threats. We continue to monitor this initiative, as we monitor all actions and threats to our industry. At the same time, we are actively engaged in building a cadre of support for limited and regulated gaming. The model we have in Arizona is the model that voters have supported in two statewide initiatives.
How do you think 2012 will be for the industry, as opposed to years past?
We’re grateful that Arizonans have embraced our industry and are encouraged that 2012 will be a good year for us. Arizona was one of the hardest hit states in the nation with the real estate market bust and, because gaming dollars are entertainment dollars, we saw a decline in casino revenues. Casino management became very creative at attracting and retaining customers. They were successful because, even in these very down times, customers remained loyal. Now we are happy to see that downward trend is reversing.
Casino revenues are reporting consecutive quarters of positive growth. This is a very encouraging development for our industry and for the people in our state. So 2012, which is the centennial year for Arizona, is a great time to remind Arizonans of the positive benefits of tribal government gaming for everyone who lives in our beautiful 100-year-old state of Arizona. Arizona is an Indian word, and tribes are very important to its past and to its future.
Bill Rutsey
President and CEO
Canadian Gaming Association
What does the current state of Canada’s gaming industry look like?
Gaming in Canada is generally regarded as having matured from a terrestrial perspective, with future growth dependent on the refinement and renewal of existing properties, including the development of enhanced hospitality and entertainment customer experience facilities, the replacement and modernization of existing gaming products, and new server-based, online and mobile delivery channels. Adding to this is the recent talk of building a casino in Toronto, Canada’s largest city.
What is the single-most important goal the Canadian Gaming Association is working to achieve at this time?
There are actually two important projects that we are spending significant time on—the legalization of single-event sports betting and the consultation process underway by the federal Department of Finance to update Canada’s anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing regime as it relates to casino operations.
With regards to sports betting, this is an initiative that we have been working on for four years. There is now a bill before our federal parliament that will allow single-event wagering to be offered by provincial governments through their lottery and gaming agencies should they so choose. We have been working with Joe Comartin (the sponsor of the bill), as well as members of parliament and senators to move the bill successfully through the approval process. We hope to see the bill passed by the House of Commons in the spring or early summer and forwarded to the Senate for approval shortly thereafter.
With respect to anti-money laundering, while everyone recognizes the importance of both the domestic and international considerations, we and others are working to ensure that the rules, as they relate to the casino industry, are fair, effective and achievable. There are some logistical issues that need to be considered to ensure that there is not undue interference with a provincially supervised, legal commercial activity. We are looking to develop an effective delivery of compliance.
Do you feel that gaming will continue to be one of the largest entertainment industries in Canada? Why?
The short answer is yes, because of its growing acceptance as just another entertainment alternative. Over the past 15 years, gaming in Canada has grown exponentially, almost tripling in size to more than $15 billion (CAD) annually. In fact, gaming is the largest single component of Canada’s entertainment sector.
Joe Comartin has reintroduced his bill for legalizing single event sports betting in Canada in the current parliament. What are the prospects of passage of this measure? What effect would this have on the provincial lottery corporations?
As mentioned above, we believe that the bill will pass. Most legislators who we have talked to see the bill as either an economic development initiative or a law and order issue, or both. Opposition is confined to the minority who are morally opposed to gaming in all its forms.
With more than 100 million Americans within a six-hour drive of a Canadian casino, and existing U.S. federal law explicitly prohibiting sports betting where it doesn’t already legally exist (essentially Nevada), single-event sports betting could be a significant attractor, especially during times and events like March Madness, the NFL and NBA playoffs and the Super Bowl. The incremental economic activity generated could be appreciable, and support and sustain hundreds of jobs in existing casino properties.
For provinces that operate online, it could complete their offerings and eliminate the competitively disadvantageous environment in which they currently operate. Sports betting comprises approximately 40 percent of online gaming activity. Right now, Canadian provinces operating online just don’t have a product for 40 percent of their potential clients.
The Ontario government was reported to be looking for ways to generate revenue, but nearby casinos have voiced their concerns about a casino there cannibalizing the market. What is the CGA’s stance on the issue?
This is about a casino in Toronto. The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. is currently conducting a review of their land-based gaming operations and soon will be submitting a strategy to the government for approval. One part of that strategy is said to include a Toronto casino. The Greater Toronto Area, with a population of more than 4.5 million people, is considered by many to be an underserviced gaming market.
While neither the Province of Ontario nor the City of Toronto have made any decisions on a casino, it is clear that properly sited casino in downtown Toronto would be a positive addition to Toronto’s tourism infrastructure and act as a catalyst for future economic development.
What are the Prairie Provinces and the ALC doing about Internet gaming? Most of the provinces in Atlantic Canada have been cold to the idea of their provincial operators offering online gaming, even in the past couple of years. Has that changed?
Many provinces, and not just those in Atlantic Canada, have taken a wait-and-see approach toward online gaming. I don’t believe that there will be an immediate change in position, as many are looking to see how the experiences of larger provinces like Ontario and Quebec unfold before making any decisions.
Can you give us a sneak peak at what this year’s Canadian Gaming Summit has in store for attendees?
We are very excited about moving the date for the Summit from April to June. This year, it will be held June 11-13 at the Scotiabank Convention Centre in Niagara Falls, Ontario. The Summit delivers face-to-face interaction with senior decisionmakers directly involved in the procurement and purchasing of gaming-related products and services. In addition to the latest products and services, this year’s event will continue to provide a top-notch information and education experience, including specific “conferences within the conference” that include First Nations casino gaming and charitable gaming. 
Lois Rice
Executive Director
Colorado Gaming Association
How would you describe the current state of the Colorado gaming industry?
We have had a difficult time over the last three years with the recession, along with a statewide casino smoking ban, which went into effect in January 2008. However, we are starting to see some slow recovery in our markets, particularly in Black Hawk and Central City, where new casino developments have increased visitors to those destinations. We are getting acquainted with an entirely new gaming commission, appointed last year by Gov. Hickenlooper. Our goal is to work closely with the new commission and help them understand the opportunities and challenges the commercial casinos in Colorado face.
What goals are the Colorado Gaming Association working to achieve at this time?
We are working on some important regulatory reform issues as well as some approvals of new technology so that we can compete with other gaming markets. This year, we are also involved with a sunset review process that the state is conducting for the Colorado Division of Gaming, and we see that process as an opportunity to get some things accomplished in the statutory and regulatory arenas.
How are you working to accomplish this?
We have opened dialogue with the state’s analyst conducting the review process, and we have also been working with the Division of Gaming staff on a list of priorities our board has approved in the areas of technology upgrades and regulatory reform issues.
Who are/were the major players involved?
Our very active members, along with the cooperation from the Colorado Division of Gaming and their staff, are the major players involved. We are also fortunate to have good relationships with our elected officials who represent the gaming towns on the federal, state and local levels.
Why is this goal so important to your association?
As a limited stakes jurisdiction, it’s difficult for Colorado to compete with other gaming markets. Staying ahead of the curve on new technologies will help us compete on a level playing field.
By when does your association hope to have definitive results?
By the end of the calendar year, we expect that any expansion threats will be behind us, and the changes we seek to benefit our existing casinos will have been implemented or on track.
What other issues are the association currently working to resolve, or what goals are you working to reach?
Our biggest goal is to educate our legislative leaders and the public that any threats to the gaming industry in Colorado will have a disastrous effect on jobs, tourism and economic development, tax revenues and the current tax beneficiaries.
What is new on your state’s legislative front?
Colorado faces major budget challenges like other states, and as stated, we will be facing another gaming expansion attempt to address state revenue shortfalls, either through VLTs or other means. However, our polling continues to reflect that 75 to 80 percent of voters oppose casinos beyond the three historic towns.
The Fortune Valley Hotel in Central City was rebranded as the Reserve Casino after its $10 million expansion. Have you seen any indicative results from this yet?
We have seen an increase in gaming revenues in Central City for the first time in awhile, but whether that is due to the rebranding of Fortune Valley, or the openings of the new Johnny Z’s and Crystal Palace casinos, is hard to determine.
In December, it was reported that all three Colorado casino markets had their best year-over-year comparison since March. Is this continuing, and does it make you hopeful for the future of your state?
We believe that as we recover from the recession and customers feel more confident spending their entertainment dollars, revenues will start to uptick. The Colorado market is very dependent on weather conditions, so it’s hard to predict if this is an economic trend, or influenced by our unpredictable weather.
Is the association or state preparing for intrastate legalized online gaming? How?
Yes, we anticipate that at some point, there will be some movement at the federal level, and we are reviewing trends in other states as well as the legislation that was passed in New Jersey and Nevada to provide for intrastate gaming.
What impact do you think would online gaming have on Colorado’s gaming industry?
We believe that if online gaming is approved, using the state’s existing casino platform, there will be a definite positive impact on generating additional tax revenues for the state.
How do you think 2012 looks for the industry, as opposed to years past?
Every new year continues to be a challenge because it’s hard to predict what issues will surface, but we’ve worked hard over the last 20 years to build a strong industry in Colorado that gives back more than it receives across the entire state.
What do you see in the future for your organization?
We will continue to advocate for our members and seek changes to existing regulations so that our industry can grow, and contribute more to the state in the way of employment, economic development and tourism.
Is there any legislation you’d like to see change to better the state of gaming in Colorado?
Colorado’s authority to permit limited gaming rests within the state constitution, so any changes that could really make a difference for our industry would have to be approved by voters. Legislatively, it would be great if we could get the gaming intercept act repealed so that our casinos don’t have to serve as debt collectors for moneys owed the state.
Wes Ehrecke
President and CEO
Iowa Gaming Association
In your own words, how would you describe the current state of Iowa’s gaming industry?
Iowa’s 18 commercial casinos continue to be a viable part of their communities and add value to the state’s entertainment and tourism industries. They are cautiously optimistic that revenues and admissions will continue to grow after experiencing relatively flat numbers the past couple of years. A great indicator is a couple of hotel and meeting room/amphitheater projects are nearing completion to enhance patron satisfaction.
What is the single most important goal your association is working to achieve?
To maintain the smoking ban exemption on the casino floor and not increase casino taxes.
How are you working to accomplish this?
We are providing research and educational awareness on initiatives for proactive filtration and ventilation and providing smoke-free casino areas to accommodate both smokers and non-smokers in an acceptable indoor quality environment. We are working to heighten understanding on the significant adverse impact a tax increase would cause, with less revenue to the state and an increased competitive disadvantage with tribal casinos’ sovereign nation status.
Why, specifically, is this goal important to your association?
We advocate that adults should have the freedom to make adult decisions in adult venues age 21 and over. Plus, keeping a stable tax rate encourages significant capital investment and is a catalyst for ongoing upgrades and renovation to create thriving premier entertainment destinations, which is integral to attracting new businesses and jobs to these communities by offering quality attractions. We hope to see results each year for many years to come.
What other goals are the Iowa Gaming Association currently working to reach?
Promoting the industry’s positive impact in new ways and strengthening alliances with key organizations.
What is new on your state’s legislative front? Are there any initiatives you’re keeping your eye on?
Discussion by elected officials this session is primarily focused on property tax and education reform. Gaming-related legislation could be introduced to allow for a voluntary self-exclusion ban to be less than lifetime, perhaps at five years; and to authorize Internet poker.
Sen. Paul Schumacher has proposed that Iowa, Kansas and South Dakota share their casino revenue with Nebraska, or the state will build its own casinos to compete. What’s your take on this, and how detrimental would it potentially be to Iowa?
It appears to be a moot question as a Nebraska legislative subcommittee has voted it down from being considered.
Due in part to the additioin of Grand Falls Casino, Iowa casinos were reporting revenues soaring 16.05 percent in December. How important was this to the state, and what does it imply for the future?
It was great to add another $120 million casino project to the state last year in an underserved area, and this revenue spike is a positive sign that consumer confidence in the economy is starting to rebound and the patrons’ discretionary dollars earmarked for entertainment is expanding. A mild December was a welcome sight compared to the snow and ice storms of the past two years.
Some gaming experts predict that Iowa could be the first state to legalize intrastate poker and other games. Can you explain how the state is preparing for legalized online gaming?
It has been discussed or introduced in the past two legislative sessions; a report was requested by lawmakers for the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (IRGC) to prepare; a bill is expected to be debated this session.
What do you think will be the biggest challenge of legalizing online gaming in your state?
We advocate that authorizing Internet gaming should be on a casino platform and regulated by the IRGC to promulgate rules that will assure a high level of integrity and standards to adhere to. Keeping the legislation focused to that premise will be important.
Do you feel that it will become legal before 2012 is over?
At the time of this writing, there is interest by some legislators to consider getting a bill passed. It is 50-50 and too early to tell the outcome.
Does the Iowa Gaming Association have any exciting plans for the coming year?
Last year we celebrated the 20th anniversary of the birth of riverboat gaming and Iowa being the first in the country outside of Atlantic City and Las Vegas to offer slots and table games while cruising the river. This year, we will simply promote how much gaming benefits Iowa by touting the nearly $4 billion dollars that have been paid to the state in tax revenue during those 20-plus years, and how the industry has become a $1 billion annual economic impact to the state in wages, buying from Iowa companies, granting millions of dollars in charitable contributions to thousands of worthy organizations, plus paying state and local taxes.
How do you think 2012 looks for our industry, as opposed to years past?
It seems there will be an acceleration of technology advancements impacting the gaming industry, and it’s imperative to keep association members astride of developments making sure the significant investments in their properties will be relevant for 2012 and the next 20 years.
How might the upcoming presidential election impact gaming in your state?
Perhaps the outcome could affect future federal legislation such as Internet poker or sports betting authorization, or regulations such as tribal casino “reservation shopping.”
What do you see in the future for your state? Is there any legislation you personally would change to better gaming in Iowa?
If the economy continues to improve, I can envision more of those properties with casinos on riverboats considering land-based development to enhance the entertainment complexes with more amenities to benefit customer satisfaction. 
Sheila Morago
Executive Director
Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association
In your own words, how would you describe the current state of the Oklahoma gaming industry?
We are doing well. The fact that we haven’t taken a dip in the current economy just goes to show the strength of our industry.
What is the most important goal the Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association is working to achieve?
Right now we are keeping a very close eye on what the end product of the National Indian Gaming Commission’s (NIGC) Tribal Advisory Committee (TAC) will be submitting. Class II is the bedrock of gaming in Oklahoma, so whatever the TAC submits on the Class II Technical Standards and the Class II Minimum Internal Standards will have a huge impact on us.
How are you working to accomplish this?
We have many people working to educate the TAC members and the NIGC on what the proposed regulations will look like on the ground if implemented. We have been vigilant in reminding everyone that regulations made in a vacuum without input from the front line folks don’t usually workout well.
Who are/were the major players involved?
The NIGC’s commission and staff, the members of the Technical Advisory Committee and the member tribes of many of the regional associations, including OIGA.
Why, specifically, is this goal important to your association?
As I stated, Class II is the bedrock of our industry. Any regulation that impacts that portion of our industry is important to us. Many of our facilities are still all Class II, and many of those facilities are in areas that depend on it as the major source of employment.
By when does your association hope to have definitive results?
We would hope that the NIGC publishes the new rules in the next few months. Only then will we know if our hard work has paid off.
What other issues are the association currently working to resolve, or what goals are you working to reach?
We, like other regional associations, are keeping a very close eye on the Internet gaming discussions happing in Washington, D.C. The effect of Internet gaming on our current business models will depend on how the bill is written. We have invested millions of dollars in our brick-and-mortar facilities and will have to make sure this does not threaten that investment.
There are rumors over a possible casino in Broken Arrow, coupled with growing opposition over the Kialgee Tribe’s Red Clay Casino. What is your stance?
The Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association hasn’t taken a position on this, but we are working hard to ensure that everyone knows what federal laws require of all parties involved.
How is the association preparing for the possibility of legalized online gaming? How is Indian country preparing for legalized online gaming?
Like most folks in Indian country, we are taking this time to learn as much as we can about online gaming. During this time, we are also keeping a very close eye on possible legislation in D.C. and in individual states. Each of these will impact us in one way or another, so we will be weighing in on them as they come up.
How do you think 2012 will be for the industry, as opposed to years past?
I am hoping that we see continued increases in Oklahoma, as well as across the country. We had a great year last year, and we are on task to do the same in 2012.
What do you see in the future for your organization?
I can see OIGA weighing in on more federal legislation. As we work together, we can weigh in on legislation with one voice. We will also be working on increasing membership on both the tribal and associate member fronts.
Is there any legislation you think should change to better the state of gaming in Oklahoma?
Right now all is well, and everyone seems happy with the status quo, so I don’t think we will be seeking changes anytime soon.
What have you learned about gaming in Oklahoma over the past 10 months since becoming the executive director in May 2011?
What haven’t I learned? I have had to learn a new compact and the benefits gaming brings to the state. I have also had the pleasure of meeting new people and working with all the folks that make tribal governmental gaming here in Oklahoma a success. This is such a beautiful place with so many tribes and cultures that this move has truly been a blessing.
What hopes do you have for the upcoming OIGA trade show?
We are going to be in Oklahoma City this year. We haven’t been there in three years, so we are excited about showing off all the new things happening here in downtown. We are looking forward to increased attendance by vendors and attendees. 
Larry Gregory
Executive Director
Mississippi Casino Operators Association
In your own words, how would you describe the current state of Mississippi’s gaming industry?
Currently, Mississippi is holding its own. We are experiencing what every other jurisdiction is—slow growth. However, we are seeing a few key economic indicators that suggest growth in 2012.
What is the single most important goal the Mississippi Casino Operators Association is working to achieve at this time?
Our main goal for this year is to have 100 percent representation in our association. Once accomplished, we are confident that our industry will be able to speak with unity to better represent the interests of the casino industry. This is achieved through education, representation, legislative support, statistical data collection and the support and promotion of the tourism industry.
What is new on your state’s legislative front? Are there any initiatives you’re keeping your eye on?
Thankfully, we are not seeing any major legislative changes for this year. I am confident that the tax rates of 8 percent and 4 percent (state and local, respectively) will stay the same. However, there appears to be another major push for an anti-smoking bill. We hope to again present the facts and give a unified response to this legislative effort.
Mississippi has some recent and upcoming casino openings such as Palace and Margaritaville. What do you think these will mean to the state, and what impact should they have into the future?
I can’t begin to tell you how much this means to our state. It has been a long time since we have witnessed new growth on the Gulf Coast. The Palace has been a staple in this market for years, and the investment of $65 million is a positive sign of growth. Also, a new development such as Margaritaville is a brand that very few jurisdictions can offer. Jimmy Buffett’s investment in this project represents confidence in what our state has to offer in the entertainment industry.
Do you feel that online gaming will become legal before 2012 is over?
There is no doubt that some form of legalized online gaming will occur at some point. However, I do believe that Mississippi will not be first to offer it. I think we will observe how other states regulate it and will learn from their experiences. Mississippi is a conservative state that takes a measured approach, and I believe our posture will be the same when it comes to online gaming. I do not believe it will become legal before the end of 2012.
Does the association have any exciting plans for the coming year?
Yes, the Southern Gaming Summit. There are some huge changes for this year. Our show will be designed to give casino operators, manufacturers and vendors a unique experience. The food, music, entertainment and golf coupled with our southern hospitality will make it the gaming show to attend this year.
How do you think 2012 will be for the industry, as opposed to years past?
In short, I believe we will see slow growth. However, we are confident that it is a sign of better days to come, signaling a re-emergence from the recession.
Do you feel that Mississippi has successfully and fully recovered from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita? Are there any more hurdles to cross?
It will take years before the Gulf Coast fully recovers from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, but things are slowly getting back to normal. If it had not been for the casino industry rebuilding, the coast would not be where it is today. The casinos were the first businesses to reopen and to get people working once again. They laid the groundwork for our coast to rebound. If you drive along our coastline today, you will see casinos, beautiful beaches and plenty of entertainment venues. Though there has not been total restoration, we are getting close.
Is there anything you’d like to add?
Y’all come!
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