Closures affecting 96% of workforce

The American Gaming Association (AGA) has estimated that the US economy would lose out on $21.3bn in direct consumer spending if casinos remain closed for another eight weeks.?

Casey Clark, the senior vice president for strategic communications at the AGA, expressed these concerns in a public statement.

The coronavirus has forced the closure of the vast majority of casinos across the nation. These closures affect 96% of the entire casino workforce in the US, according to Clark. While some casinos voluntarily closed their doors, many were forced to shut due government mandates.?

Doing all that can be done

The AGA is working closely with officials in the hospitality sector to try to get Congress and other lawmakers to help the sector with a financial stimulus package. This aid would help

support employees, their families, and our communities through this unprecedented crisis.”

Gambling companies are for the most part looking to continue paying their employees and extending their health insurance coverage as long as it is viable. However, many casino companies are rapidly bleeding money due to these closures, with many on the precipice of disaster.

If urgent action isn’t taken to help the casino sector, there could be massive consequences for hundreds of thousands of Americans, according to the AGA.

Other parties calling for help

The financial markets have been in turmoil since the coronavirus pandemic started spreading throughout the United States. The airline and hospitality industries have been hard hit, both of which are calling for extensive financial aid from the federal government.

The National Indian Gaming Association is looking for similar aid. In a letter to Congress, it is calling for an $18bn stimulus package, as well as relief on debt interest payments.?Gambling is a massive source of revenue for tribes. They will struggle to fund health and education services without it.