American Gaming Association Sees Dynamic Shift In Leadership

• The American Gaming Association is often cited for its research into the US sports betting industry.
• Three leaders will assume additional responsibilities in light of the departure of two executive vice presidents.

WASHINGTON – The American Gaming Association (AGA), a pivotal advocate for the US sports betting and gambling industry, will be under new leadership starting this month.

In a press release sent out by the organization last Friday, Dan Bretl, Casey Clark, and Chris Cylke will all be granted promotions in light of the departure of two executive vice presidents.

Bill Miller, CEO of the AGA, announced that the shift in leadership will hone in on the organization’s focus for industry modernization, communications, and advocacy.

“These promotions recognize the contributions these three leaders have already made to our organizational and industry success, and their ability to lead functions that are fundamental to AGA being the best steward of our industry, and advocate for our members,” said Miller.

The move comes in light of two executive members leaving the organization. Former senior vice president of public affairs, Sara Slane, is taking an entrepreneurial route by launching an advisory firm that assists sports and media companies.

Former senior vice president and general counsel, Stacy Papadopoulus, will be making the move to serve in a similar role at the Grocery Manufacturers Association.

The AGA plans to continue to serve as the nation’s premier trade group which represents both tribal casinos and commercial casinos across the state.

Could The Move Affect US Sports Betting?

The research the AGA has conducted for the sake of legal US sports betting has played a key role in how state lawmakers view the activity.

For example, in January the organization conducted an independent study that showed that about eight in ten Americans support legalizing sports betting in their home state. Findings such as this help to change state legislators perception on the activity.

More recently, Bill Miller spoke on the legalization of sports betting in Illinois.

“As the state rolls out its sports betting framework, it’s critical that Illinois sports teams and other newcomers to the gaming business follow the lead of the state’s licensed gaming operators in advancing responsible gaming practices that ensure protections for consumers, bets, and game integrity,” said Miller.

Illinois legalized sports betting through both land-based casinos and through independent online sportsbook operators. Most states that initially legalized the activity have put their state’s casinos in charge of handling the operations of sports betting.

However, more recently states such as Illinois and Maine have separated the need for online operators to pair with a land-based location.

How this will affect the stance of the AGA is yet to be seen and with the new leadership of the organization, there could be a greater focus from executive members on keeping sportsbooks inside traditional gaming facilities.

News tags: American Gaming Association | Bill Miller | Casey Clark | Chris Cylke | Dan Bretl | Illinois | Maine | Sara Slane | Stacy Papadopoulus