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AGA: 96% of US casino workforce affected by closures19 March 2020According to American Gaming Association’s Senior Vice President of Strategic Communications Casey Clark: As of Wednesday afternoon, nearly all (94%) of the country’s commercial casinos have shuttered their doors, in addition to 37% of tribal casinos. These mass closures have affected a staggering 96% of the casino workforce and will rob the U.S. economy of $21.3 billion in direct consumer spending if the casinos remain closed for the next eight weeks. You can view more information on the current impact here. Employees from every sector of the casino gaming industry have felt the repercussions of government-mandated property closures across the United States. The American Gaming Association, in partnership with our colleagues across the hospitality sector, is engaged with Congressional and administration leadership to shape stimulus and aid packages that will support employees, their families, and our communities through this unprecedented crisis. “The federal government must act swiftly and comprehensively to get America’s hospitality employees, and the small businesses that support them, back to work as soon as it is safe. Gaming employees, their families, and communities are bearing the brunt of this economic standstill and will continue to suffer if Congress and the administration don’t take immediate action. “In total, these mass closures will rob the U.S. economy of $43.5 billion in economic activity if American casinos remain closed for the next eight weeks. “Gaming is an economic engine, employing millions of local residents, generating community investment through vital tax revenue, and supporting small businesses in communities all across the country.” Background Casino closures risk nearly $74 billion in total wages annually for workers and their families. Casino gaming supports $41 billion in annual tax revenue and tribal revenue sharing nationwide – essential support for local hospitals, first responders, and vital public services. Half the jobs our industry supports are at non-gaming businesses such as restaurants and local shops – all will be dramatically affected by a local casino’s closure. Casino gaming is vital to local small businesses, delivering $52 billion annually in small business revenue, including construction, manufacturing, retail, and wholesale firms. |