American Gaming Association to presidential hopefuls: We'll be watching you

American Gaming Association President Geoff Freeman has sent a letter to presidential hopefuls informing them "it is imperative" that they learn about the industry as they seek votes in Nevada and elsewhere where casinos are prevalent.

"While gaming’s presence is largest in Nevada, it is not limited to the Silver State," Freeman wrote. "As you travel to other key presidential states, you will quickly realize that gaming is no longer a niche, novel industry, but a nationwide, quarter-of-a-trillion dollar industry that is supporting more than half a million jobs in the key states of Iowa, Florida, Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania, among others."

The letter was sent to Jeb Bush, Ben Carson, Hillary Clinton, Ted Cruz, Carly Fiorina, Mike Huckabee, John Kasich, Martin O’Malley, Rick Perry, George Pataki, Rand Paul, Marco Rubio, Bernie Sanders and Scott Walker.

The last paragraph shows how intent Freeman is on having an impact on the race: "And as we compile a voter guide for these employees over the next few months, we plan to include your views of gaming to ensure they have all the information needed to make their decision during the caucuses and on Election Day. "

Very smart.

The full letter is below, and here's a link to the individualized ones.

Dear Candidate:
 
The road to the White House goes straight through Nevada. As an early caucus state, Nevada is key in selecting nominees for both the Republican and Democratic parties. But it doesn’t end there. Every cycle Nevada emerges as an important battleground state. So as you turn your attention to the Silver State, it’s imperative that you learn about modern casino gaming, a $53 billion industry responsible for approximately 425,000 Nevada jobs and nearly $8 billion in taxes.
 
Every presidential candidate seeking votes in Nevada should take a stand in support of gaming. Talk to Nevada’s elected officials, especially those advising your campaign, who understand the importance of backing gaming. Meet with stakeholders who directly benefit from our industry, such as charities whose programs would not exist without contributions from casinos.
 
Further, publicly demonstrate an appreciation for gaming by visiting a casino resort or gaming supplier facility. Take a back-of-house tour to see firsthand how thousands of hardworking employees power the industry that is the lifeblood of the state’s economy. Without a doubt, you will hear stories about how gaming provides a path to the middle class and opportunities to advance one’s career in a fulfilling way to people of all backgrounds and experiences. Whether one is an immigrant seeking a better life for his or her family or someone looking for a high-tech career, there’s a place for him or her in the gaming industry.
 
Not surprisingly, gaming is one of the most diverse industries in the country. For example, 20 percent of our employees are Latinos, higher than the national average of 15 percent, and nearly half of all employees are women, which is also above the national average. And jobs are not limited to frontline employees; gaming offers more than 200 distinct career opportunities that include engineering, marketing, accounting, software development, security and surveillance and more.
 
With nine in ten American voters approving of gaming, your presence in casinos and gaming supplier facilities will only boost, not hurt, your chances of securing more votes – not just in Nevada, but nationwide.
 
While gaming’s presence is largest in Nevada, it is not limited to the Silver State. As you travel to other key presidential states, you will quickly realize that gaming is no longer a niche, novel industry, but a nationwide, quarter-of-a-trillion dollar industry that is supporting more than half a million jobs in the key states of Iowa, Florida, Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania, among others.
 
Over the coming weeks and months, we look forward to showing you the ins-and-outs of our dynamic industry and the significant positive impact we have on the economy in Nevada and across the nation – while also introducing you to thousands of employees who are also voters. And as we compile a voter guide for these employees over the next few months, we plan to include your views of gaming to ensure they have all the information needed to make their decision during the caucuses and on Election Day.  
 

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