The American Gaming Association (AGA) has put its chips on the table in a bold move to champion a new law aimed at combating human trafficking, signaling an era of heightened social responsibility within the world of gaming.
New Law Aims to Certify Businesses in Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention
Stepping into this high-stakes arena is the Human Trafficking Awareness Training Recognition Act, introduced by ace players Congressmen David Valadao of California and Troy Carter of Louisiana. Their legislative card play aims to create a certification program under the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Blue Campaign. The kicker here? This program will certify businesses that train their staff to identify and counteract human trafficking.
With fervor, Bill Miller, AGA President and CEO, threw a winning hand, stating: “Businesses operating in hospitality, entertainment, and transportation are crucial players on the front lines against human trafficking. The gaming industry stands fully committed to this cause. The AGA extends gratitude to Reps. Valadao and Carter for their unwavering dedication in fighting this heinous crime and for the recognition of businesses that stand shoulder-to-shoulder in this endeavor.”
Congressman Calls for Action Against Human Trafficking in Major Tourist Destinations
Congressman Valadao didn’t mince words, highlighting California’s dubious distinction as having the highest number of human trafficking reports in the nation. Valadao doubled down, stressing the critical importance of training industry employees in the hospitality, entertainment, and transportation sectors with the sleuthing skills necessary to detect and thwart trafficking activities.
Valadao elaborated, drawing the audience in with an anecdote: “Employees in these industries often encounter trafficking scenarios first. Their vigilance can literally be a lifesaver.” He sent a rallying cry to all governmental tiers, urging them to unite their efforts against this growing menace.
Congressman Carter, representing New Orleans—a veritable mecca for tourists—addressed the twin-edged nature of this popularity. The city’s allure sadly draws not only tourists but also those ensnared in the nefarious web of human slavery rings.
“This initiative resonantly honors businesses that show integrity by confronting these crimes head-on, and it serves as a challenge for more companies to ante up and join the cause. We must use every resource to end the sale and transportation of human lives,” Carter fervently remarked.
The proposed law guides the DHS to launch a Blue Campaign Certification Program that will award annual recognition to employers making strides in educating their workforce about human trafficking. Achieving certification will symbolize a business’s active participation in this fight.
AGA Leads the Charge
Amid the clinking of casino chips and the whir of slot machines, the AGA has already staked its position at the forefront of this battle. In January 2024, aligning with Human Trafficking Prevention Month, the AGA rolled out an innovative online training program in collaboration with RG24seven Virtual Training.
This initiative isn’t your run-of-the-mill training. Employees across the gaming industry can access a series of educational videos and interactive quizzes, culminating in a reputable certification upon successful completion. This isn’t just another hand in the game—it’s a pivotal move towards a safer, more socially responsible industry.
In closing, within two years of this act’s implementation, DHS must furnish a comprehensive assessment report on its impact and progress. With every poker face at the table, the gaming industry is all in, leading the charge to outwit, outplay, and ultimately outlast the specter of human trafficking.
