The American Gaming Association (AGA) has announced the appointment of Joe Maloney as Senior Vice President of Strategic Communications. Maloney, positioned to start in January 2024, will manage a diverse portfolio, steering AGA’s communications, research initiatives, marketing, and public affairs campaigns. This strategic role reflects AGA’s commitment to promoting the growth and sustainability of the vibrant gaming industry.
Joe Maloney’s journey to AGA is marked by his recent tenure with the Washington Commanders, where he held the title of Vice President of Public Affairs and Strategic Communications since December 2020. His experience in handling complex communication strategies and engaging with a wide array of stakeholders will be invaluable to his new role at AGA.
Maloney’s expertise extends into various prominent political and public affairs roles. Before his stint with the Commanders, he fortified his reputation as a partner with the Locust Street Group. His strategic skill set was also honed during his time as a principal at the Dewey Square Group and through multiple positions at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. He’s no stranger to political campaigns either, having served both as a field organizer and field director for John Kerry’s presidential campaign from October 2003 to December 2004.
Upon accepting his new position, Maloney expressed his dedication to the industry, stating, “I’m honoured to join the AGA and its dedicated team at this pivotal moment for the gaming industry. The future holds great promise. I’m energised by the opportunity and challenge of communicating the remarkable benefits and economic impact of legal gaming across the country.”
Bill Miller, President and CEO of AGA, conveyed his enthusiasm for Maloney’s arrival. “I’m thrilled to have Joe join the AGA and lead our best-in-class communications team. Joe is an accomplished professional who has taken on significant public affairs challenges throughout his career. We will benefit not only from his depth of experience and his tireless advocacy, but his enthusiasm and energy to hit the ground running as a champion for the casino gaming industry.”
The appointment arrives at a fortuitous time for the gaming industry, with the AGA recently reporting that US commercial gambling is poised to hit an unprecedented high. Statistics for the third quarter show a robust $16.17 billion in revenue, representing a 6.1% increase year over year. More impressively, this period marked the 11th consecutive quarter of yearly revenue growth, which also saw the best third-quarter performance on record.
The breakdown of revenues within casino gaming indicates a healthy distribution across sectors. Traditional slot machines and table games generated $12.49 billion, a 1.8% rise. Demonstrating the growing appeal of digitalization in gambling, igaming saw revenues of $1.52 billion, showing a significant 26% increase compared to the previous year.
The sports betting sector witnessed a particularly strong quarter, highlighting the increased acceptance and integration of both in-person and online betting platforms. Sports betting revenues enjoyed a robust rise of 22.8% to $2.15 billion.
On the land-based gaming front, growth accelerated from 0.9% in the previous quarter to 1.5% in Q3 as total revenues amounted to $12.61 billion.
Maloney’s strategic acumen will play a critical role as AGA continues to navigate an industry that is not only expanding rapidly but is also facing new regulatory landscapes and shifting public perceptions. With such significant growth and diversification in the gaming sector, Maloney’s comprehensive background in communications and public affairs positions him as an asset poised to further catalyze the industry’s dynamic trajectory. The next chapter under Joe Maloney’s guidance is set to be one of advocacy and strategic communication, as AGA continues to support and amplify the multifaceted benefits of legal gaming nationwide.
