Why It Matters
The American Gaming Association is fighting a multi-front battle to protect industry economics as federal tax provisions erode operator margins while illegal gambling operators control nearly a third of the U.S. market.
Congress is actively debating comprehensive sports betting regulation following high-profile integrity scandals that have soured public sentiment. The AGA’s lobbying strategy targets three interconnected goals: repealing federal taxes that disadvantage regulated operators, establishing federal sports betting standards, and promoting responsible gaming measures. Success would preserve the industry’s tax position while positioning regulated casinos as trustworthy alternatives to illegal offshore operations.
By the Numbers
The American Gaming Association reported $610,000 in fourth quarter lobbying expenditures, maintaining substantial advocacy since 2003 with over $50 million in total historical spending.
The AGA deploys a four-person in-house team supplemented by external firms including Fierce Government Relations and Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLP.
In-house lobbyists on the Q4 team:
- William C. Miller Jr. — Veteran with prior U.S. Chamber of Commerce experience
- Alexandra Nunez Costello — 6+ years Senate experience including Political Director for Sen. John Kerry (D-MA)
- Christopher Steven Cylke — Longest-tenured (since 2017) with House Judiciary Committee background
- Michael Masam Vanaki — Recent hire from Dunkin’ Brands
Notably, MGM Resorts International filed $220,000 in fourth quarter 2025 lobbying on nearly identical priorities, indicating coordinated industry pressure.
The Agenda
The AGA is pushing for repeal of the federal sports betting excise tax through the WAGER Act and Discriminatory Gaming Tax Repeal Act of 2025. The organization is working to restore full deductibility of gambling losses after Senate Republicans blocked bipartisan efforts.
Beyond taxes, the AGA promotes responsible gaming initiatives including the GRIT Act and supports the SAFE Bet Act, establishing federal sports betting standards for consumer protection. The organization focuses on enforcement against illegal gambling operations, including unregulated prediction markets and offshore sportsbooks.
Broader Context
Congress faces mounting pressure to address gaming industry challenges. Multiple state-level expansion efforts stalled in 2025 while states aggressively pursued tax increases—Illinois imposed per-bet fees, Maryland increased taxes to 20 percent, and Louisiana raised rates to 21.5 percent. Public support declined as 36 percent of Americans now view sports betting negatively, up from 23 percent in 2022.
The AGA’s tax priorities face headwinds. A House Rules Committee amendment to restore full gambling loss deductions failed in January 2026, suggesting sustained lobbying will be required.
Illegal operators control 31.9 percent of the U.S. gambling market, while prediction markets have become a regulatory "flash point" between federal and state authorities.
Between The Lines
Key legislation aligns with AGA priorities. The SAFE Bet Act would establish federal sports betting standards. The WAGER Act and Discriminatory Gaming Tax Repeal Act target the sports betting excise tax.
Congressional pressure is mounting. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) led bipartisan demands for CFTC action on prediction markets. Representative Dina Titus (D-NV) repeatedly criticized unregulated sports betting. Senator Katie Britt (R-AL) led efforts urging DOJ enforcement against illegal offshore sportsbooks.
Competitive Landscape
MGM Resorts International filed $220,000 in the last quarter of 2025 lobbying with priorities mirroring the AGA’s agenda, demonstrating coordinated industry advocacy. Both push for sports betting excise tax repeal, gambling loss deductibility, and prediction market regulation.
The AGA deploys external firms including Cornerstone Government Affairs Inc. and Hogan Lovells, creating multiple congressional access points.
The Bottom Line
The AGA spent $610,000 on fourth quarter lobbying, focusing on federal sports betting regulation, tax policy, and illegal gambling enforcement. With four experienced lobbyists and coordinated industry support from individual casinos like MGM Resorts, the organization is well-positioned to advance its legislative priorities as Congress grapples with gaming industry challenges.
Access the Legis1 platform for comprehensive political news, data, and insights.