American Gaming Association (AGA) Senior Vice President of Public Affairs Sara Rayme issued the following statement after the California Supreme Court ruled that Internet sweepstakes cafes are illegal:
“Today’s ruling affirms what we already knew: Internet sweepstakes cafes are illegal entities that should be shut down. In stark contrast to the legal, highly regulated casino gaming industry – a $240 billion industry that supports 1.7 million jobs and generates $38 billion in taxes across 40 states – illegal gambling operations, such as Internet sweepstakes cafes, fund violent crimes and drug and human trafficking, prey on consumers and don’t pay a penny in taxes. We encourage other states to take action to combat these shady operations.”
Last week, the AGA formed an Illegal Gambling Advisory Board composed of the former top law enforcement officials from the federal, state and local levels. In April, the AGA launched the “Stop Illegal Gambling – Play it Safe” initiative to combat illegal gambling in all forms, including Internet sweepstakes cafes.
About AGA: The American Gaming Association is the premier national trade group representing the $240 billion U.S. casino industry, which supports 1.7 million jobs in 40 states. AGA members include commercial and tribal casino operators, suppliers and other entities affiliated with the gaming industry. It is the mission of the AGA to be the single most effective champion of the industry, relentlessly protecting against harmful and often misinformed public policies, and paving a path for growth, innovation and reinvestment.
