Regulatory adaptability and responsible practices are key to the evolution of gaming, says AGA CEO

American Gaming Association (AGA) CEO Bill Miller highlighted the role of flexible and adaptable regulations in gaming development on the first day of Global Gaming Expo Asia (G2E Asia) 2024.

In a speech before the official opening of the three-day event on Tuesday, Miller said it was necessary to continue sustainable evolution and innovation to meet customer demands post-Covid.

“I think it’s important, that’s one of the things I say to government leaders in the U.S. all the time, is we need you to understand that this evolution is driven by the customer and that ultimately we want to be where the customer is, in the same way that as every other consumer-facing discretionary industry does,” said the AGA president.

Recognizing the exchange of information and intelligence between Macau and Las Vegas, Miller highlighted the key relationship between business leaders and regulators, emphasizing the need for cooperation and mutual understanding.

“So I think one of the most important things is to watch the evolution, both from a business leadership perspective and from a regulatory perspective,” he added.

“It is very important that regulators and operators maintain an arm’s length relationship, but it does not have to be adversarial. If we show that we are responsible, we should have regulators that are not hostile to us.”

Additionally, Miller addressed the consequences of the potential “predatory” actions of bad apples on the communities in which the industry operates.

“If we act in a way that is inconsistent with our values ​​and inconsistent with being responsible to the communities in which we operate, then in some sense we deserve an adversarial relationship,” he told participants.

“So I think it’s really up to industry leaders to set the table and make sure it aligns with the values ​​that regulators are looking for, whether it’s here or in the U.S. or anywhere else in the world.”