AGA statement on DOJ reinterpretation of the Wire Act

Earlier this week, the U.S. Department of Justice released a memorandum reconsidering a 2011 opinion on the applicability of the Wire Act beyond sports gambling. Sara Slane, the American Gaming Association’s (AGA) Senior Vice President of Public Affairs, issued the following statement in response to OLC’s opinion:

“It is unfortunate that the Department of Justice departed from well-established practice in reversing its previous opinion without a compelling reason to do so. However, the 2018 OLC opinion does not impact the ability for states and Tribes to legalize and regulate gaming on a state-by-state and tribal basis, or for companies to provide the exciting products and entertainment experiences our customers want.

“With over 4,000 regulators and billions of dollars allocated to compliance, casino gaming is one of the most highly regulated industries in the country and for decades has provided its customers with cutting-edge products in a safe, regulated environment pursuant to state, Tribal and federal law. We will work with all stakeholders to preserve the ability of states and Tribes to regulate gaming, and we encourage DOJ to investigate and shut down illegal, unregulated gambling operators who prey on consumers.”