US Representatives Bennie Thompson and Guy Reschenthaler have relaunched the Congressional Gaming Caucus, a bipartisan body that aims to represent the gaming industry’s interests on Capitol Hill.
The Caucus, which will be led by Mississippi Democrat Thompson and Pennsylvania Republican Reschenthaler, will comprise of more than 30 members from states across the country.
It aims to serve as a platform to discuss federal issues related to the US casino industry, as well as educating fellow Congresspeople on related regulatory and legislative matters.
“Over the last several decades, the U.S. gaming industry has expanded beyond traditional gaming markets in Nevada and New Jersey to benefit new communities, including those in southwestern Pennsylvania,” Reschenthaler commented.
“I’m proud to relaunch this caucus, which will provide a valuable forum for advancing policies that allow the gaming industry to grow and spur economic development in districts like mine.”
Thompson highlighted the gaming industry’s social and economic footprint, noting that 88% of US adults viewed gambling as an acceptable form of entertainment.
“The Congressional Gaming Caucus will enable Congress to better represent the industry and our constituents’ interests on Capitol Hill,” he added.
The Caucus has been reformed for the 116th Congress, which runs until January 3, 2021, with the support of the American Gaming Association (AGA).
President and chief executive Bill Miller described the relaunch as one of the association’s top priorities in 2019, with a final agreement reached late that year.
“As gaming expands, it’s more important than ever that members of Congress from both gaming and non-gaming states appreciate the important role our industry plays in communities across the country,” Miller explained. “The AGA looks forward to working with the caucus on policies that strengthen the gaming industry and tell our positive story on Capitol Hill.”
The Caucus was first established, then dissolved, in the 20th Century, before being re-established by Thompson and Representative Joe Heck, a Nevada Republican, in 2013.