- The AGA has formed an Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force.
- The 25-page guide focuses on the gambling industry.
- Protocols are in place to help operators and their employees recognize human trafficking.
Human Trafficking is an issue in the United States and the gaming industry has decided to tackle it head on.
The American Gaming Association (AGA) recently created a new Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force to focus on the crime within the gambling industry.
A new report was just issued by the group titled “Preventing and Combating Human Trafficking in the Gaming Industry” to showcase how casinos and their employees can learn how to identify, prevent, and report instances of human trafficking.
Details of the Report
The guide uses insight from the United States Departments of Homeland Security, Justice and Treasury to inform casino operators on the subject of human trafficking. The guide focuses on teaching operators how to educate employees, so any signs of human trafficking are identified, and action is taken.
AGA President and CEO Bill Miller commented on the guide by stating that the association along with its members and the gaming industry are committed to stopping all forms of human trafficking. With the Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force, the association can continue to bring the industry together to stop the human rights offense.
Key points of the guide include educating individuals on human trafficking and how it is a risk to the gaming industry. Individuals are taught how to intervene, and employees are given steps on how to act when they suspect an instance of trafficking.
Patrons and employees are to be protected from human trafficking with emphasis placed on preventing trafficking from occurring at a gaming venue or facilitated within a casino space. Specific areas are covered in the guide including forced labor and sex trafficking.
Developing Casino-Specific Tools
The goal of the task force is to create casino-specific tools and guidance that can be applied within casino venues. Alex Costello, the AGA Vice President Government Relations, pointed out that gaming companies already have anti-human trafficking polices in place. The new guide is there as an essential tool that operators can use to assess and strengthen what is already in place.
Costello stated that the announcement of the new guide is the first step in the task force implementing its plan and working to enhance the anti-trafficking efforts of the gaming industry. Several AGA member companies are helping in the effort including Bally’s Corporation, GeoComply, Penn National Gaming, Seminole Hard Rock, MGM Resorts International, and Wynn Resorts, among others.
AGA members have the ability to apply the anti-trafficking protocols in several ways including property signage and employee training. The AGA recommends casinos work with local law enforcement, shelters, and nonprofits as well.
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