AGA chief executive to depart

Geoff Freeman is to step down from his role as president and chief executive of the American Gaming Association (AGA).

Freeman has led the organisation since 2013 and has been one of the key figures in the successful battle to expand the sports betting market in the US.

The Supreme Court last month voted to overturn the federal 1992 Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA).

PASPA had blocked more states from legalising full-service sports betting, but the ruling will allow states to individually regulate such activities.

Last week, Delaware passed legislation to legalise sports wagering and yesterday (Tuesday) began accepting full sports wagers.

Freeman will depart the AGA on August 1 in order to become president and chief executive of the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA).

Tim Wilmott, chief executive of Penn National Gaming and chairman of the AGA board, said: “The AGA accomplished many important successes during Geoff’s tenure, most notably the recent Supreme Court ruling declaring PASPA as unconstitutional, a decision that paves the way for legalised sports betting in the US.

“It is a testament to our industry, as well as to Geoff himself, that GMA would look to gaming as a model for managing through dynamic change and complexity to achieve success in both policy and perceptions.

“Geoff has built a strong board and a strong team; he leaves us well positioned for future success.”

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