CALIFORNIA – The American Gaming Association (AGA) has expressed strong support for an anti-human trafficking bill introduced by Representatives David Valadao of California and Troy Carter of Louisiana.
This bill aims to implement a program endorsed by the Department of Homeland Security’s Blue Campaign, which will certify employers who train their workers to identify and combat human trafficking.
Although the AGA primarily focuses on casino gaming, retail sports betting, and online sports betting, it has expressed unconditional support for this new legislative measure.
The bill, introduced on Tuesday, seeks to establish an effective system for combating human trafficking by providing businesses with a better understanding of the signs of this crime and ways to prevent it.
Companies would receive specific training to recognize signs of human trafficking within their operations. This approach is particularly targeted at the hospitality, entertainment, and transportation industries.
For this reason, the AGA has shown special interest in encouraging resorts and hotels with casinos to participate, as this sector is considered vulnerable to human trafficking.
Congressman Valadao has expressed the motivation behind this measure, highlighting that California currently faces the highest number of human trafficking reports in the country, which severely affects its residents.
According to Valadao, the entertainment, transportation, and hospitality industries are the “first line of defense” in detecting and combating human trafficking.
Legislators believe that companies adopting this training for their staff will make significant strides in the fight against human trafficking.
The measure was introduced in the House of Representatives, and if enacted, the program would be established no later than one year after its implementation.
