The American Gaming Association (AGA) has penned an agreement with two European gaming trade bodies to combat illegal gambling.

The Washington DC-based lobbying organisation signed a memorandum of understanding with the UK’s Betting & Gaming council (BGC) and the European Casino Association (ECA) today (10 October).

The memorandum was highlighted as formalising a commitment among the three associations to address key issues facing the global gambling industry including illegal gambling, responsible gaming, innovation and security.

AGA president and CEO Bill Miller (pictured) said: “This new partnership is a significant step forward in our collective efforts to advance the legal gaming industry and protect consumers around the globe. 

“By sharing our unique resources, we will expand our fight against illegal gambling to new fronts, work together to strengthen responsible gaming, and innovate around business best practices.”

Industry leaders come together

The first initiative under the agreement will be a law enforcement roundtable focusing on fighting illegal gambling.

This will involve industry leaders, law enforcement officials and regulators discussing the impact of illegal gambling on legal operators, consumer safety, and the global financial system.

Scheduled for January 2025, the session will explore strategies for enhancing cross-jurisdictional communication and developing solutions to address these challenges.

The agreement, the BGC said, will create a platform for undertaking joint research projects, as well as uniting the organisation’s staff and members to share expertise.

BGC CEO Grainne Hurst added: “This partnership marks a new chapter in our shared vision to build a world-class, trusted and sustainable betting and gaming industry. BGC members are rightly proud of their reputation as global leaders, and they know the power of collaboration.

“Working together with the AGA and ECA, I am confident our shared knowledge and expertise will be vital to bolstering safer gambling standards while tackling the threat of the growing and unsafe unregulated gambling black market in the UK.”

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