LAS VEGAS -The American Gaming Association wants the Homeland Security Department to rank Las Vegas higher for the city – primarily the Strip – to better fund programs that protects the state’s $53 billion a year casino industry, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
During a Monday conference call, in which the Washington-based trade organization announced new members, association CEO Geoff Freeman said Homeland Security has not ranked gaming as a priority industry.
RELATED: Phased-In Black Oak Casino Resort Project Set on Stunning Video Surveillance
“Las Vegas is a potential threat [target] and we have had productive conversations with the Nevada [congressional] delegation to ensure the unique characteristics of Las Vegas, and gaming in general, are taken into consideration,” Freeman said.
Earlier this month, Freeman thanked the Nevada delegation for its efforts and asked that it continue to ensure that Las Vegas remains a priority for Homeland Security, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported. He said Las Vegas’ “iconic distinction” has elevated the city’s need to be funded through the department’s Urban Areas Security Initiative.
“It is essential that the agency consider Las Vegas’ unique characteristics and ranks the city in its top tier for fiscal year 2015,” Freeman said.
