North America
President Trump Meets Gaming Leaders at Circa Resort
President Donald Trump met gaming industry leaders at the iconic Circa Resort in Las Vegas.
The historic event highlighted key tax reforms crucial to the industry’s growth, like adjusting the slot tax threshold.
With commercial gaming revenue set to exceed $67 billion in 2024, these reforms could unlock even greater economic potential.
Discover how the discussions at Circa could shape the future of the gaming industry and its contributions to the U.S. economy.
President Trump Champions Gaming Industry Growth at Circa Resort
3 Key Points:
- Tax Reform Goals: Leaders pushed for adjusting the slot tax threshold and eliminating the sports betting excise tax.
- Economic Impact: The gaming sector is on track to surpass $67 billion in revenue, driven by growth in online gaming.
- Industry Priorities: Discussions also highlighted responsible gaming initiatives and combating illegal gambling operators.
In a landmark meeting, President Donald Trump attended an event at Circa Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, hosted by CEO Derek Stevens. This marked the first presidential visit to a casino property during Trump’s second term and showcased the growing influence of the gaming industry in the national economic conversation.
The event, organized in collaboration with the American Gaming Association (AGA), provided an opportunity for gaming leaders to present their most pressing policy goals. Key among them was the need to reform the slot tax threshold, which has remained unchanged since the 1970s, and to eliminate the sports betting excise tax, which operators argue stifles growth in the booming sports wagering market.
Tax Reforms Could Unlock New Economic Potential
During the meeting, Bill Miller, AGA president and CEO, emphasized the importance of these reforms:
“Today’s event is a testament to the president’s commitment to ensuring the tax code supports job creation and allows workers to keep more of their earnings.”
The gaming industry’s economic footprint is undeniable. According to the AGA, commercial gaming revenue is projected to surpass $67 billion in 2024, setting a record for the fourth consecutive year. Online gaming has been a key driver, accounting for 29% of total revenue in the third quarter alone, which reached $17.71 billion.
Advancing Responsible Gaming and Combatting Illegal Operators
The event also underscored the gaming industry’s dedication to responsible gaming initiatives. Leaders reiterated their commitment to protecting players and maintaining ethical gaming practices. Additionally, the AGA highlighted recent victories in combating illegal gambling, such as its success in shutting down unlicensed gaming machines in Virginia last year.
Trump’s presence also reaffirmed his support for the industry. During his first term, federal economic relief measures were instrumental in helping casinos recover from the devastating impact of Covid-19 shutdowns.
A Vision for Gaming’s Future
The meeting at Circa Resort illustrated the growing importance of the gaming industry in America’s economy. With record-breaking revenues and strong growth in online gaming, the sector is a critical driver of jobs and economic development.
By addressing outdated tax policies like the slot tax threshold and the sports betting excise tax, the industry stands poised for even greater success. President Trump’s engagement underscores the federal government’s recognition of gaming’s contributions. Moving forward, partnerships between policymakers and industry leaders will be key to ensuring sustainable growth and continued innovation.
For the gaming industry, this event wasn’t just a meeting—it was a milestone signaling even greater opportunities on the horizon.