The American Gaming Association takes a smart new direction— and Las Vegas stands to beneft IN THE PAST FEW MONTHS, the American Gaming Association has almost completely regenerated itself. Even though the gaming industry’s chief lobbying group has the same name and offces, it has a renewed mission under new President and CEO Geoff Freeman: to promote the overall positive community impact of gaming, urge a streamlined regulatory process and underline the reality that online gaming is not going away. When the AGA was founded in 1995, the industry was in transition. The cross-country proliferation of casinos was scarcely a half-decade old, and there were fears that the federal government would pass legislation unfavorable to the industry. In particular, the National Gambling Impact Study Commission, which was chartered by Congress in 1996 and which delivered its fnal report in 1999, was expected to be on balance unfavorable to casinos, perhaps even suggesting a federal tax. That didn’t happen, in part because of the American Gaming Association’s advocacy. Once the immediate threat faded, the AGA continued to advocate for the industry on the national level. It also made strides in promoting responsible gaming. Its Global Gaming Expo events in the United States and Asia helped to spread ideas and new technologies. But, Freeman says, something was missing. “I think the American Gaming Association in chapter one was the right organization for the right time,” he says. “But as the industry has evolved, and the openness in the country to gaming has evolved, the organization needs to change. Our responsibility is to rise above intra-industry differences to articulate the value of gaming.” So it’s no surprise that the AGA has been in the news recently. In December, the group added three members—Wynn Resorts, Station Casinos and Churchill Downs—to its board. And this may be just the beginning. “I see membership growing,” Freeman says, “not just over the next year, but in coming years. We will develop an organization that this industry will only be more proud of as it grows.” This kind of growth is important: Having stared down external foes, the industry can’t afford to be riven by internal squabbles such
BARGAIN BREAKFASTS
as the current dispute over online gambling. Freeman sees a renewed AGA as a bulwark against division. “As the AGA rises above these divisions, becomes a champion for the industry as a whole, we’ll see more expansion: We’ll have not just operators and manufacturers, but also tribal entities affliates.” That outreach to tribal gaming— which in the 1990s was considered the enemy—speaks to the new realities of 21st century gaming in the United States. Earlier this month, the AGA announced the addition of fve staffers, including Sara Rayme, who led MGM Resorts’ successful Maryland lobbying and referendum efforts, as senior vice president of public affairs; Chaka Burgess, an experienced lobbyist, as vice president of government relations; Allie Barth, formerly of the U.S. Travel Association, as senior director of communications; Elizabeth Cronan, who has deep experience in gaming technology, as director of gaming policy; and Virginia Hurt Johnson as general counsel.
The group also brought in Jim Messina, who managed President Barack Obama’s re-election campaign, to advise on many grassroots issues—including online gaming. The total effect, Freeman says, will be to make the group “stronger, more proactive and more relentless in our championing the cause of gaming.” And even though much of the action is taking place within the Beltway, these changes will mean something in Las Vegas. “For many years,” Freeman says, “Las Vegas was considered an outpost, marketed as a destination with ‘sin.’ But the more appreciated the gaming industry becomes nationally, the greater the beneft to Las Vegas will be. I saw recently that the number of government meetings in Las Vegas has plummeted because of the perception it’s not an acceptable destination. That’s absurd. “By mainstreaming this business, the American Gaming Association can help Las Vegas maintain its spot as a top destination. The data is there; it’s incumbent on us to tell the story.” So even though the American Gaming Association is a national trade group, expect its future moves to make big waves in Las Vegas.
One of the marketing hooks that made Las Vegas famous was the 99-cent breakfast, and it wasn’t that long ago that you could still find them. Today? Not so much. But even though the true 99-centers are gone, there are still some darn good deals available in Bargain City for eggs & bacon … or ham … or steak. Here’s a rundown of several classics. Prices and times bob around a bit, but these were all accurate in a recent check. In many cases you have to show a players card, or it’ll be a buck or two more. The closest thing that I know of to the original is the $1.49 bacon & eggs at Club Fortune in Henderson (725 S. Racetrack Rd.). Served in Emily’s from 6 to 11 a.m. daily, this is a good one that comes with three eggs, two bacon or sausage, hash browns and toast. The casino is often jammed with locals, and a line is likely at peak times. Almost as good is the new Wildfire Valley View with 24-hour eggs & bacon for $2.99 and an even better steak & eggs for $5.99. Arizona Charlie’s, at both the Decatur and Boulder Highway locations, still offers its excellent 24-hour steak or ham special for $4.49. Get the steak. For ham & eggs, head to Irene’s bar on West Spring Mountain Road for its 24-hour $7.95 monster that will remind you of the good ol’ days at the Horseshoe. Bacon & eggs is also strong here for $5.35. Check this place out on Sundays, and you can turn breakfast into brunch with $1 Bloody Marys. Another popular casino special is the Deuces Wild breakfast at Silver Sevens (4100 Paradise Rd.). It comes with two eggs, two pancakes and two bacon or sausage for $2.99, served 24/7 in the Sterling Spoon Café. This is a hungry-man’s plate that’s tough to argue with for the price. At least till the end of this month, the best of several good Downtown plays is the Downtown Grand’s 50 percent off dining deal for locals. Use it at the Spread to get big breakfast sandwiches for about $4.50. Don’t forget the buffets. The best ones offer almost untouchable breakfast values and are worthy of a column of their own. But if you’re looking purely for lowest prices, breakfast is just $4.99 at Palace, Boulder, Texas, Sunset, and Santa Fe Stations, or at Silver Sevens. Close behind are Arizona Charlie’s Boulder at $5.49, and Arizona Charlie’s Decatur, Gold Coast or Aliante at $5.99. You can make that up in juice alone. For gamblers, you can’t do better than Sagos Baja Tavern & Bar on Fort Apache Road, where a $20 buy-in at video poker gets you eggs with three big strips of bacon, potatoes and toast, or a loaded omelet, comped! I don’t know how you beat that.
David G. Schwartz is the director of UNLV’s Center for Gaming Research.
Anthony Curtis is the publisher of the Las Vegas Advisor and LasVegasAdvisor.com.
ILLUSTRATION BY JON ESTRADA
THE LATEST January 16–22, 2014 VEGAS SEVEN
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Raising Its Game