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Gaming CEO slams unregulated operators as threats to legal industry growth

A tribute to tribal gaming's legacy turns into a fierce defense of legal markets. Why one CEO says unregulated operators are gambling with more than just money.

The image shows a man playing a slot machine with the words "Jackpot" on it. He is surrounded by a...
The image shows a man playing a slot machine with the words "Jackpot" on it. He is surrounded by a board with text and pictures of fruits, suggesting that he is playing online casino games.

Bill Miller, President and CEO of the American Gaming Association, has spoken out against unregulated gaming operators. At a recent industry event, he criticised their impact on the legal market and honoured a key figure in tribal gaming partnerships. Miller paid tribute to Ernie Stevens, the late Chair of the Indian Gaming Association. Stevens, who died earlier this year, was instrumental in building strong ties between tribal and commercial gaming sectors. His work helped shape cooperation across the industry.

Turning to current challenges, Miller condemned unlicensed prediction markets and sweepstakes casinos. He accused them of avoiding accountability while pretending to offer economic benefits. These operators, he argued, blur legal boundaries and undermine regulated standards. The regulated gaming industry, by contrast, provides stable jobs and consistent revenueโ€”even in tough economic times. Miller stressed that nine out of ten Americans now support the sector, which has moved from niche to mainstream over 20 years. He dismissed claims that non-compliant operators drive innovation, calling them greedy, reckless, and irresponsible instead. Miller urged the industry to defend the existing legal framework. Without strong protections, he warned, unregulated platforms could further erode public trust and financial stability.

Miller's remarks highlight the tension between licensed and unlicensed gaming operators. His call to protect the legal system comes as unregulated platforms expand their reach. The industry's future, he suggested, depends on maintaining strict oversight and fair competition.

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